Crap Towns / Brentwood / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Brentwood council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 12 complaints and enquiries about Brentwood council, investigated 2 and upheld 2. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 2.5 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 2 cases, 2 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
Upheld2
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries5
Sent back to the council to sort out first3
Advice given2
Invalid or incomplete0
All decided12
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing7
Planning3
Bins, environment and public protection1
Corporate and other services1
Other1
Adult social care0
Benefits and tax0
Education and children's services0
Highways and transport0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Thurrock8.8
Barking and Dagenham8.6
Havering8.0
Epping Forest3.6
Basildon3.1
Brentwood2.5
Chelmsford1.1