Crap Towns / Oxford / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Oxford council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 33 complaints and enquiries about Oxford council, investigated 3 and upheld 3. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 1.8 upheld, against 1.0 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 33% of upheld cases, against 15% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 2 cases, 0 on time. Oxfordshire County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 24 upheld of 30 investigated (an uphold rate of 80%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld3
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries10
Sent back to the council to sort out first16
Advice given3
Invalid or incomplete1
All decided33
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing29
Benefits and tax11
Bins, environment and public protection6
Planning6
Corporate and other services4
Highways and transport4
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Vale of White Horse2.0
Oxford1.8
West Oxfordshire0.8
Cherwell0.6
South Oxfordshire0.6