Crap Towns / Leeds / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Leeds council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 244 complaints and enquiries about Leeds council, investigated 62 and upheld 52. That's an uphold rate of 84%, against 83% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 6.2 upheld, against 4.6 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 17% of upheld cases, against 16% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 40 cases, 35 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld52
Not upheld10
Closed after first enquiries106
Sent back to the council to sort out first56
Advice given10
Invalid or incomplete10
All decided244
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Education and children's services161
Adult social care45
Housing43
Bins, environment and public protection24
Highways and transport22
Planning16
Corporate and other services11
Benefits and tax7
Other5
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
North Yorkshire6.5
Leeds6.2
Kirklees4.9
Bradford4.8
York3.8
Wakefield1.4