Crap Towns / Newcastle upon Tyne / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Newcastle upon Tyne council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 68 complaints and enquiries about Newcastle upon Tyne council, investigated 11 and upheld 9. That's an uphold rate of 82%, against 83% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 2.8 upheld, against 4.6 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 11% of upheld cases, against 16% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 7 cases, 4 on time.

**What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26**
Outcome	Complaints and enquiries
Upheld	9
Not upheld	2
Closed after first enquiries	31
Sent back to the council to sort out first	14
Advice given	6
Invalid or incomplete	6
All decided	68

**What people complained about, 2025-26**
Service	Complaints and enquiries received
Education and children's services	24
Housing	19
Adult social care	17
Highways and transport	16
Bins, environment and public protection	8
Corporate and other services	8
Benefits and tax	6
Planning	3
Other	1

**Nearby councils**
Council	Upheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
North Tyneside	7.4
South Tyneside	4.6
Northumberland	3.3
Newcastle upon Tyne	2.8
Gateshead	2.0