If something has gone wrong with a service from Stafford Borough Council, you do not have to just shrug and move on. There is a clear complaints process, and a bit of prep can make it quicker and less stressful - especially if you are raising an issue that affects you here in Gnosall.

Start with the right place (and the right council)

First, make sure you are complaining to the organisation responsible for the service. Stafford Borough Council covers things like housing (including council housing), planning, council tax, benefits, waste and recycling, and environmental health. If your issue is about roads, potholes, street lights, schools, or social care, that is usually Staffordshire County Council.

• Stafford Borough Council - Complaints
• Staffordshire County Council
• Gnosall Parish Council

How to complain to Stafford Borough Council

The simplest starting point is the Borough Council's official complaints page. It sets out how to submit your complaint and what information to include, so it goes to the right team without delays.

Go to Stafford Borough Council complaints page

What to include so it gets sorted faster

• What happened - a short, clear summary (dates and times help).
• Your address (especially if it is a local service issue in Gnosall).
• Any reference numbers you already have (case, council tax, benefits, housing, etc).
• Photos or screenshots if relevant.
• What you want to happen next - for example, an explanation, an apology, a fix, or a review.

If you are not happy with the response

Use the Council's complaints process first, and keep a note of what you submitted and when. If you have completed the Council's process and you still think it has not been handled properly, you can escalate to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, which is independent.

• Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Quick tip for Gnosall residents

If you are reporting something very local (say a recurring issue on a specific street), it can also help to share the details with Gnosall Parish Council so they are aware of patterns and can raise it through the right channels.

Downloadable Advice

Advice on How to Deal with Antisocial Behaviour

A guidance leaflet from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council explaining what constitutes antisocial behaviour, how to identify it, and practical steps residents can take to report and address antisocial activities affecting their communities.

Download PDF

Managing Excessive Dog Barking

A guide for dog owners on how to address excessive barking that disturbs neighbours, including practical steps to identify causes, resolve disputes, and implement behavioural solutions. The leaflet also outlines legal consequences of failing to address noise complaints.

Download PDF