Crap Towns / Arun / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Arun council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 25 complaints and enquiries about Arun council, investigated 4 and upheld 4. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 2.4 upheld, against 1.0 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 50% of upheld cases, against 15% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 1 case, 1 on time. West Sussex County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 57 upheld of 61 investigated (an uphold rate of 93%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld4
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries15
Sent back to the council to sort out first5
Advice given0
Invalid or incomplete1
All decided25
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing12
Benefits and tax6
Planning5
Bins, environment and public protection4
Corporate and other services4
Highways and transport3
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Worthing3.5
Arun2.4
Adur1.5
Havant0.8
Chichester0.0
Horsham0.0