A POLITICAL watchdog received 15 fewer complaints about City of York Council last year than in the previous 12-month period.

The Local Government Ombudsman dealt with 42 cases relating to the authority during 2009/10, according to its latest rundown on the action it has taken on following issues raised by members of the public.

This compares with 57 during 2008/09, with 12 of last year’s complaints and inquiries surrounding adult care services, nine relating to housing, four to transport and highways, three about planning and building control and two about children and family services.

The ombudsman criticised the council for taking almost a year to install a bay window at a Georgian house in the city after ruling it had given the owner of the property incorrect advice when planners told her she was unable to make the changes.

It found “no or insufficient evidence of maladministration” in 13 other cases, with four being outside the ombudsman’s jurisdiction, four being settled at a local level and three not being investigated. The watchdog did not make any decision on the 17 remaining complaints it received.