Crap Towns / Hertsmere / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Hertsmere council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 22 complaints and enquiries about Hertsmere council, investigated 1 and upheld 1. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 0.9 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. Hertfordshire County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 40 upheld of 46 investigated (an uphold rate of 87%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld1
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries9
Sent back to the council to sort out first12
Advice given0
Invalid or incomplete0
All decided22
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Planning11
Bins, environment and public protection10
Benefits and tax8
Housing8
Corporate and other services5
Highways and transport3
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Enfield12.5
Brent10.5
Barnet8.1
Harrow6.6
Three Rivers5.2
Welwyn Hatfield4.1
St Albans2.6
Watford1.9
Broxbourne1.0
Hertsmere0.9