Crap Towns / Luton / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Luton council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 66 complaints and enquiries about Luton council, investigated 11 and upheld 11. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 85% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 4.6 upheld, against 5.6 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 27% of upheld cases, against 13% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 8 cases, 8 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld11
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries24
Sent back to the council to sort out first24
Advice given3
Invalid or incomplete4
All decided66
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Education and children's services27
Housing16
Benefits and tax13
Highways and transport13
Adult social care12
Bins, environment and public protection6
Corporate and other services6
Planning5
Other1
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Central Bedfordshire5.4
Luton4.6
Stevenage3.3
St Albans2.6
Dacorum2.5
North Hertfordshire0.0