Who can actually help with this?

Two questions: what it's about, and what you need. We'll tell you where to start, what they can and can't do, and where to go if it isn't sorted.

If someone is in danger or it can't wait:

Life at risk, violence, crime in progress, fire: 999

Non-emergency police: 101

Urgent medical help (not life-threatening): 111

Power cut (national number; the council is not responsible for electricity supply): 105

Smell gas (national gas emergency number): 0800 111 999

Pollution incident (Environment Agency, 24 hours): 0800 80 70 60

What is it about?

Bins, litter and fly-tippingMissed bin collection, Dumped mattress in an alley Potholes, local roads and parkingPothole or trip hazard, Broken street light Council housing (Portsmouth Homes) and homelessnessRepair not done, Damp and mould Private renting and HMOsLandlord will not repair, Illegal eviction Planning and developmentNeighbour's extension, New flats proposed Schools, SEND and social careRefused a school place, EHC plan refused or wrong Benefits, pensions, tax and immigrationUniversal Credit decision, PIP refused GP, dentist and hospital accessCannot get a GP appointment, No NHS dentist Crime and antisocial behaviourBurglary, Noisy neighbours Water, sewage and bathing waterSewage in the sea, Sewer flooding Buses and regional connectivityBus did not turn up, Route withdrawn Private legal, employment and consumer disputesUnpaid wages, Unfair dismissal

Reporting something to the council

Portsmouth City Council — report it online Council contacts

Why not just email the MP?

MPs make laws, question the government and can take up your case with government departments like DWP, HMRC or the Home Office. They can't tell council officers what to do or decide how the council spends its money — councillors and the council do that. So for bins, roads, council housing and planning, start with the council; go to your MP for national rules and government departments. Who does what →

This tells you where to start and what comes next. It is not legal advice. Time limits shown are the ones each body publishes; always check your own decision letter, which may give a different deadline. Routes checked 23 September 2026 by UK Stat Pack.