Crap Towns / Three Rivers / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Three Rivers council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 20 complaints and enquiries about Three Rivers council, investigated 5 and upheld 5. That's an uphold rate of 100%, 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 1 case, 0 on time. Hertfordshire County Council, which runs social care, schools and the roads, had 40 upheld of 46 investigated (an uphold rate of 87%).

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld5
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries11
Sent back to the council to sort out first2
Advice given1
Invalid or incomplete1
All decided20
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Benefits and tax6
Bins, environment and public protection5
Housing5
Highways and transport2
Planning2
Adult social care0
Corporate and other services0
Education and children's services0
Other0
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Buckinghamshire11.9
Harrow6.6
Hillingdon6.1
Three Rivers5.2
St Albans2.6
Dacorum2.5
Watford1.9
Hertsmere0.9