Crap Towns / Braintree / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Braintree council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 14 complaints and enquiries about Braintree council, investigated 1 and upheld 1. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 0.6 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 1 case, 1 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
Upheld1
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries4
Sent back to the council to sort out first7
Advice given1
Invalid or incomplete1
All decided14
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing7
Planning6
Benefits and tax1
Bins, environment and public protection1
Corporate and other services1
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Highways and transport0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Maldon4.3
Chelmsford1.1
Uttlesford1.1
Babergh1.0
Colchester1.0
Braintree0.6
West Suffolk0.0