Complaints against Lincoln City Council have soared to a five-year high. In their fiscal year 2024-2025, the council logged a shocking 562 complaints. This is the largest complaint increase from the 418 complaints total of the last fiscal year. Complaints are pouring in, showing the incredible public outcry that’s developing. Residents addressed housing in an inclusive economy. Residents were most passionate about the issue of housing.
The latest figures reveal that the complaints filed in 2024-2025 represent the highest count seen since 2020-21, when the council recorded just 260 complaints, the lowest in the past five years. This year, more than half of the complaints—53%—were fully substantiated. This is a further continuation of the trend to validate more complaints than last year.
Complaints related to housing have increased the most dramatically. Social housing standards under the microscope This renewed focus follows a series of high-profile tragedies, including the catastrophic Grenfell Tower blaze and the recent death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from black mould in his social housing apartment. These incidents have served as a catalyst for increased examination of housing quality and the safety of tenants.
The council has documented a 500% increase in complaints. Most of these problems have to do with tenancies, maintenance, and fixings. Many of the complaints regarding the Central Car Park were found to have merit. In response, the team has ideated a range of improvements to implement this year.
Fortunately for their residents, city officials are getting ahead of these concerns. According to a report from the City of Lincoln Council, they have “trained front-line staff to recognise and record expressions of dissatisfaction as formal complaints in line with the best practice outlined in the code.” This new effort is part of an effort to make sure every complaint is recorded and taken care of in a methodical way.
“As a result, various improvements have been/will be undertaken this year.” – City of Lincoln Council report
The spike in complaints represents something much more significant trend— new demands from the public on housing quality and authority over local process. Residents are becoming more insistent on having their needs and concerns addressed, lobbying for improved quality of life and attentive city management. The council’s sincerity in addressing these issues will be vital in reclaiming public trust and bettering relations with the community.
