Crap Towns / Harrow / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Harrow council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 142 complaints and enquiries about Harrow council, investigated 21 and upheld 18. That's an uphold rate of 86%, against 88% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 6.6 upheld, against 10.2 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 6% of upheld cases, against 14% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 19 cases, 12 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld18
Not upheld3
Closed after first enquiries70
Sent back to the council to sort out first40
Advice given3
Invalid or incomplete8
All decided142
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing53
Adult social care40
Highways and transport23
Bins, environment and public protection21
Education and children's services16
Planning13
Corporate and other services12
Benefits and tax6
Other1
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Brent10.5
Ealing9.6
Barnet8.1
Harrow6.6
Hillingdon6.1
Three Rivers5.2
Watford1.9
Hertsmere0.9