Crap Towns / Rother / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Rother council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 20 complaints and enquiries about Rother council, investigated 7 and upheld 5. That's an uphold rate of 71%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 5.2 upheld, against 1.0 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 20% of upheld cases, against 15% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 4 cases, 3 on time. East Sussex County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 31 upheld of 35 investigated (an uphold rate of 89%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld5
Not upheld2
Closed after first enquiries9
Sent back to the council to sort out first4
Advice given0
Invalid or incomplete0
All decided20
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Planning8
Housing6
Bins, environment and public protection2
Highways and transport1
Adult social care0
Benefits and tax0
Corporate and other services0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Rother5.2
Eastbourne4.8
Lewes2.9
Ashford2.1
Hastings0.0
Wealden0.0