THE Local Government Ombudsman has praised West Devon Borough Council for the way it has investigated complaints over the last year and quickly responds to them.

Ombudsman Jerry White has congratulated the council on the timely way it responds to his enquiries — just over 14 days – half the target response time expected.

During 2008/2009, Mr White decided on two complaints against the council.

In one case he found no evidence of maladministration and on the other he decided not to investigate on the basis that there was insufficient injustice.

The Ombudsman can investigate a complaint if it relates to maladministration or injustice by the council but will only investigate once it has already been considered through the council's own complaints procedure.

Dr Roger Meyrick, independent chairman of West Devon Borough Council's standards committee, welcomed the report.

He said: 'Last year the standards committee congratulated the borough officers' handling and investigation of complaints from the public about the provision of West Devon Borough services.

'This year it is the turn of the Local Government Ombudsman to add his praise, and we are very happy to join with him and offer our congratulations to all staff involved.'