Crap Towns / Swindon / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Swindon council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 77 complaints and enquiries about Swindon council, investigated 7 and upheld 6. That's an uphold rate of 86%, against 85% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 2.5 upheld, against 5.6 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 33% of upheld cases, against 13% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 3 cases, 1 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld6
Not upheld1
Closed after first enquiries40
Sent back to the council to sort out first24
Advice given4
Invalid or incomplete2
All decided77
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Education and children's services40
Bins, environment and public protection16
Adult social care11
Housing11
Benefits and tax10
Planning10
Corporate and other services8
Highways and transport5
Other2
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Wiltshire3.6
Swindon2.5
Vale of White Horse2.0
Cotswold1.1
West Oxfordshire0.8