CARE staff falling asleep on the job and bins not emptied on time are among almost 2,000 complaints received by Thurrock Council, latest figures show.

Figures for 2023/24 show the authority received 1,940 complaints, 223 more than the previous year and a 13 per cent increase. A total of 1,632 complaints were responded to in that time and 738 upheld.

The Local Government Ombudsman dealt with 62 complaints, with 21 upheld.

In a top ten of the most prevalent complaints, waste management topped the list attracting 535 complaints, with missed collections and bins not returned properly among residents' gripes.

This was followed by 362 complaints about council repairs, including delays in completing work and overflowing drains.

Adult social care attracted a total of 308 complaints, down from 372 in 2022/23. These included members of staff found asleep at night with one said to have fallen asleep after being given too many night shifts.

Other complaints included not attending scheduled visits, leaving without feeding people and giving the wrong dose of medicines.

One care worker who used "surface wipes to undertake personal care" was given additional "in-depth" training.

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However, the council did have some fans. The council received 2,089 compliments from residents compared to 1,261 during the previous year.

One carer was described as "lovely and passionate about what she does. She is hard working, and we love having her in here. We appreciate everything she does for us."

In a report to the audit committee, which will meet on Thursday, council officers said: "The most important aspect of any complaints management framework is the ability to demonstrate that the council can show evidence that it is learning from complaints received.

"The implementation of our learning from complaints and listening to our residents should lead to a reduction of complaints received."

They added: "Regular reports on the council's performance in responding to complaints, assists the council to ensure that it complies with its best value duty to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness."