Crap Towns / Cornwall / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Cornwall council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 221 complaints and enquiries about Cornwall council, investigated 60 and upheld 49. That's an uphold rate of 82%, against 85% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 8.4 upheld, against 5.6 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 8% of upheld cases, against 13% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 49 cases, 42 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld49
Not upheld11
Closed after first enquiries94
Sent back to the council to sort out first48
Advice given5
Invalid or incomplete14
All decided221
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Education and children's services104
Adult social care62
Bins, environment and public protection33
Planning22
Highways and transport21
Housing17
Benefits and tax13
Corporate and other services10
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Cornwall8.4
Plymouth4.8
North Devon2.0
Torridge1.4
South Hams1.1
West Devon0.0