S1 Renewal Period and Updates

For the second year in a row I have applied for an S1 renewal within the time frame stated on the expiring certificate. My S1's expire on December 22nd. And, for the second year in a row I am left without an up to date certificate as my application is still in progress. This is pretty poor but indicative of the state Britain finds itself in now. How do I go about chasing up this application please? What number would I use to speak to a human - your phone system kept telling me to be patient when my application had been overlooked (confirmed by your agents) last year. Fortunately I am in the UK at the moment but I am returning home in the new year and would like to sort out my Social Security car in Spain when I go back. Many thanks!

Hi,
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Thank you.