Crap Towns / South Hams / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against South Hams council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 13 complaints and enquiries about South Hams council, investigated 1 and upheld 1. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 74% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 1.1 upheld, against 1.0 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 0% of upheld cases, against 15% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 1 case, 1 on time. Devon County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 46 upheld of 57 investigated (an uphold rate of 81%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld1
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries7
Sent back to the council to sort out first5
Advice given0
Invalid or incomplete0
All decided13
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing5
Planning4
Bins, environment and public protection3
Benefits and tax2
Corporate and other services2
Adult social care0
Education and children's services0
Highways and transport0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Cornwall8.4
Plymouth4.8
Torbay4.3
South Hams1.1
Teignbridge0.0
West Devon0.0