The Local Government Ombudsman said it received 122 complaints against about the authority in the 12 months up to the end of March 2010, up from 96 in 2008/09.

Two thirds of complaints were about education, the majority relating to appeals into grammar schools.

There were also 20 complaints about transport and highways.

However, the ombudsman only deemed that a complaint was serious enough and the council was at fault on six occasions.

The council paid a total of £6,400 in compensation to settle these six cases.

This includes £4,500 paid for 'significant failings in assessment and planning for the care of a complainant's children', which resulted in legal action.

The council also paid an additional £3,000 in court costs and £1,500 to the parents and children for the distress caused.

Cllr Frank Downes, member for resources, said he was pleased that the number of upheld complaints continues to be lower than the national average and he was 'very pleased' none were upheld on schools.

"We actively encourage people to contact the Ombudsman if they are not satisfied with the outcome of their complaint to us, and this is always likely to result in an increase in the overall number of complaints," he added.