Crap Towns / Epping Forest / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Epping Forest council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 52 complaints and enquiries about Epping Forest council, investigated 6 and upheld 5. That's an uphold rate of 83%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 3.6 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 6 cases, 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
Upheld5
Not upheld1
Closed after first enquiries26
Sent back to the council to sort out first15
Advice given3
Invalid or incomplete2
All decided52
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing24
Bins, environment and public protection12
Planning12
Benefits and tax8
Corporate and other services4
Highways and transport1
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Haringey19.3
Waltham Forest16.1
Redbridge14.0
Enfield12.5
Newham8.8
Barking and Dagenham8.6
Havering8.0
Epping Forest3.6
Broxbourne1.0
East Hertfordshire0.6
Harlow0.0