Crap Towns / Exeter / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Exeter council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 17 complaints and enquiries about Exeter council, investigated 3 and upheld 1. That's an uphold rate of 33%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 0.7 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 1 case, 1 on time. Devon County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 46 upheld of 57 investigated (an uphold rate of 81%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld1
Not upheld2
Closed after first enquiries9
Sent back to the council to sort out first3
Advice given1
Invalid or incomplete1
All decided17
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing10
Benefits and tax2
Bins, environment and public protection2
Corporate and other services2
Planning2
Highways and transport1
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
East Devon2.5
Mid Devon2.4
Exeter0.7
Teignbridge0.0