Crap Towns / Epsom and Ewell / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Epsom and Ewell council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 18 complaints and enquiries about Epsom and Ewell council, investigated 2 and upheld 2. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 2.4 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 1 case, 1 on time. Surrey County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 93 upheld of 105 investigated (an uphold rate of 89%).

**What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26**
Outcome	Complaints and enquiries
Upheld	2
Not upheld	0
Closed after first enquiries	7
Sent back to the council to sort out first	7
Advice given	0
Invalid or incomplete	2
All decided	18

**What people complained about, 2025-26**
Service	Complaints and enquiries received
Planning	8
Bins, environment and public protection	6
Corporate and other services	4
Benefits and tax	3
Housing	2
Adult social care	0
Education and children's services	0
Highways and transport	0
Other	0

**Nearby councils**
Council	Upheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Kingston upon Thames	8.1
Merton	5.0
Sutton	3.7
Epsom and Ewell	2.4
Mole Valley	2.3
Elmbridge	0.7
Reigate and Banstead	0.0