Crap Towns / Herefordshire / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Herefordshire council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 52 complaints and enquiries about Herefordshire council, investigated 12 and upheld 10. That's an uphold rate of 83%, against 85% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 5.2 upheld, against 5.6 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 10% of upheld cases, against 13% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 10 cases, 10 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld10
Not upheld2
Closed after first enquiries30
Sent back to the council to sort out first7
Advice given1
Invalid or incomplete2
All decided52
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Education and children's services27
Corporate and other services11
Adult social care10
Housing5
Benefits and tax4
Bins, environment and public protection3
Highways and transport3
Planning2
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Herefordshire5.2
Shropshire2.7
Wychavon1.4
Malvern Hills1.2
Forest of Dean1.1
Tewkesbury1.0
Gloucester0.0
Worcester0.0
Wyre Forest0.0