Crap Towns / Chelmsford / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Chelmsford council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 23 complaints and enquiries about Chelmsford council, investigated 3 and upheld 2. That's an uphold rate of 67%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 1.1 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 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 upheld1
Closed after first enquiries12
Sent back to the council to sort out first7
Advice given0
Invalid or incomplete1
All decided23
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Bins, environment and public protection8
Housing6
Corporate and other services5
Planning3
Benefits and tax2
Highways and transport2
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Maldon4.3
Basildon3.1
Brentwood2.5
Chelmsford1.1
Braintree0.6
Castle Point0.0
Rochford0.0