How to report noise in the UK
Last checked: 11 November 2026
Noise affects people at any time of day. The people.uk app makes reporting it take a few taps. This guide explains who gets told, what goes in a report, and how to do it yourself where the app is not available yet.
The people.uk app does this for you. It is a free app that writes your noise report and addresses it to your council, councillors, MP and local police, all at once. You check it and tap Send.
The app is starting with one small part of Tower Hamlets in east London. If it does not cover your street yet, the rest of this page explains how to report noise yourself.
Report it whenever it affects you
If noise disturbs you at home, report it. It does not matter what time it is, what day it is, or whether anyone has told you it is allowed.
Public bodies only know how many people are affected if people tell them. If residents stay quiet, the record shows no problem, and nothing changes.
Who to tell
There is no single place to report noise in the UK, which is part of the problem. These are the bodies responsible:
- Your local council. Usually the environmental health or environmental protection team.
- Your ward councillors. They represent your area on the council and can raise problems with council officers.
- Your MP. MPs can raise local problems with public bodies and press for changes to the law.
- An elected mayor, if your area has one.
- Your local neighbourhood police team.
- Your landlord or housing association, if the noise comes from another tenant.
In England you can find your council's noise page on GOV.UK: report a noise nuisance to your council. You can find your local councillors on GOV.UK, and your MP at Find your MP on the UK Parliament website.
If anyone is in danger, call 999. For the police when it is not an emergency, call 101.
What to put in a noise report
A useful report is short and factual. Include:
- your name and address, so the report can be acted on
- the date and time you heard the noise
- what kind of noise it was
- where it seemed to come from, if you know
- how it affected you, for example that it woke you or your children, or frightened your pet
- how often it happens
Stick to what you heard yourself. Do not guess who is responsible.
Why it is worth reporting every time
One complaint is easy to set aside. A record of many reports, from named residents, with dates and times, is evidence. It shows how many people are affected, and it gives councillors and MPs something to point to when they ask for change.
If nothing happens
If you have complained to your council and are unhappy with how it was handled, use the council's complaints process first. In England you can then go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
You can also ask your ward councillors and your MP to take it up.
Common questions
Who do I report noise to?
Your local council, your ward councillors, your MP and your local police team can all be told about noise. If anyone is in danger, call 999.
Can I report noise during the day?
Yes. Noise affects people at any time, including people who work nights, young children and pets. Report it whenever it disturbs you at home.
Do I have to give my name when I report noise?
Reports from named residents carry more weight, because they show that real people at real addresses are affected.
What if my council does not act?
Use the council's own complaints process first. If you are still unhappy, in England you can complain to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. You can also ask your ward councillors or MP to take it up.
More guides
- Fireworks noise: the rules and how to report it
- Loud cars and motorbikes: how to report vehicle noise
This page is general information, not legal advice. Services differ between councils and between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. people.uk is independent and is not a government service.