Crap Towns / Basildon / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Basildon council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 40 complaints and enquiries about Basildon council, investigated 9 and upheld 6. That's an uphold rate of 67%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 3.1 upheld, against 1.0 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 0% of upheld cases, against 15% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 5 cases, 5 on time. Essex County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 235 upheld of 247 investigated (an uphold rate of 95%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld6
Not upheld3
Closed after first enquiries18
Sent back to the council to sort out first4
Advice given6
Invalid or incomplete3
All decided40
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing21
Bins, environment and public protection12
Corporate and other services5
Benefits and tax3
Other1
Planning1
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Highways and transport0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Thurrock8.8
Basildon3.1
Brentwood2.5
Chelmsford1.1
Castle Point0.0
Rochford0.0