Teignbridge Council has been given a clean bill of health by the Local Government Ombudsman – despite a 'dramatic' rise in complaints of almost 300 per cent. In his annual report, ombudsman Jerry White said he had received 65 complaints in 2005/6, 47 up on the previous year. However, he believed most of the increase could be accounted for by two particular planning issues and was not unusual. 'We expect to see some fluctuation over time and large multiple complaints like these can easily account for dramatic variation in the figures,' he said. Mr White said he had not had to make a judgment on any of the complaints as the majority were found to be either premature or groundless. Four of the complaints had been dealt with locally and the council had paid out £1,565 in compensation. 'I very much welcome the council's willingness to put things right when mistakes have been made,' said Mr White. His one criticism was reserved for the council's online complaints procedure, which he said should be easier for residents to use. Assistant to the chief executive at Teignbridge, David Beer, welcomed the findings. 'We do our best to resolve complaints locally, but if that can't be achieved we do actually assist in complaints to the ombudsman because he provides an independent view which complainants need sometimes in order to satisfy themselves that the matter's had proper consideration,' he said. 'This is particular relevant in planning because objectors have no other right of appeal.' He confirmed that one of the planning issues which had contributed to the increased number of complaints was the Bishopsteignton mobile phone mast. Residents have demanded that Teignbridge compensates them with a new playing field after mistakes allowed the mast to go up despite local opposition.
