Crap Towns / Torbay / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Torbay council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 59 complaints and enquiries about Torbay council, investigated 6 and upheld 6. That's an uphold rate of 100%, against 85% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 4.3 upheld, against 5.6 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 17% of upheld cases, against 13% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 4 cases, 3 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld6
Not upheld0
Closed after first enquiries34
Sent back to the council to sort out first13
Advice given0
Invalid or incomplete6
All decided59
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Education and children's services27
Bins, environment and public protection9
Planning9
Benefits and tax7
Highways and transport7
Housing6
Corporate and other services4
Adult social care3
Other1
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Torbay4.3
East Devon2.5
South Hams1.1
Teignbridge0.0