Overview Complaints relative to regional and municipal government administration - focal points number % Social welfare, youth welfare 817 28,24 Regional planning and housing, building law 666 23,02 Municipal affairs 404 13,96 Citizenship, voter register, traffic police 261 9,02 Finances of the Laender, regional and municipal taxes 163 5,63 Health care system and veterinary sector 148 5,12 Regional and municipal roads 132 4,56 Educational system, sports and cultural matters 83 2,87 Office of the Land Government, public services and compensation law for regional and municipal employees 52 1,80 Trade and industry, energy 50 1,73 Agriculture and forestry, hunting and fishing laws 47 1,62 Nature conservation and environmental protection, waste management 40 1,38 Transport and traffic on regional and municipal roads 29 1 Science, research and arts 1 0,03 2,893 100 TOTAL Maladministration in 16 % of cases A total of 9,161 cases were closed during the reporting year. This is a slight reduction of 2 % compared to last year. A case of maladministration was determined in 1,444 cases. This means that 16 % of all complaints were justified. In the case of six investigative proceedings the members of the AOB jointly determined a case of maladministration and issued recommendations. In 4,338 cases, the members of the AOB did not identify a need for complaints. Support beyond investigative mandate In 1,215 further cases, investigative proceedings could not be initiated because official proceedings were still pending or further legal remedies were still available; 1,284 complaints related to topics outside the AOB’s investigative mandate; 178 were not suitable for handling based on the relevant regulation. However, the AOB strives to offer support in such cases as well: It establishes contact with the authorities responsible and suggests possible solutions to those affected. The complaints were withdrawn in 696 cases. On average, the AOB informed those affected of its findings within 47 days. 16