Crap Towns / Havering / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Havering council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 155 complaints and enquiries about Havering council, investigated 25 and upheld 22. That's an uphold rate of 88%, against 88% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 8.0 upheld, against 10.2 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 27% of upheld cases, against 14% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 15 cases, 6 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld22
Not upheld3
Closed after first enquiries71
Sent back to the council to sort out first48
Advice given4
Invalid or incomplete7
All decided155
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Highways and transport63
Housing41
Education and children's services33
Bins, environment and public protection14
Adult social care13
Corporate and other services13
Benefits and tax11
Planning5
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Redbridge14.0
Thurrock8.8
Barking and Dagenham8.6
Havering8.0
Epping Forest3.6
Brentwood2.5
Bexley2.3