Crap Towns / Dacorum / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Dacorum council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 26 complaints and enquiries about Dacorum council, investigated 4 and upheld 4. 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 50% of upheld cases, against 15% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 3 cases, 3 on time. Hertfordshire County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 40 upheld of 46 investigated (an uphold rate of 87%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld4
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries15
Sent back to the council to sort out first3
Advice given4
Invalid or incomplete0
All decided26
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing10
Planning8
Benefits and tax3
Bins, environment and public protection3
Corporate and other services1
Highways and transport1
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Buckinghamshire11.9
Central Bedfordshire5.4
Three Rivers5.2
St Albans2.6
Dacorum2.5
Watford1.9