Crap Towns / Wandsworth / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Wandsworth council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 141 complaints and enquiries about Wandsworth council, investigated 21 and upheld 15. That's an uphold rate of 71%, against 88% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 4.4 upheld, against 10.2 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 20% of upheld cases, against 14% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 12 cases, 9 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld15
Not upheld6
Closed after first enquiries53
Sent back to the council to sort out first46
Advice given17
Invalid or incomplete4
All decided141
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing93
Education and children's services32
Adult social care23
Bins, environment and public protection19
Benefits and tax13
Highways and transport13
Planning8
Corporate and other services5
Other3
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Lambeth18.9
Kensington and Chelsea15.2
Southwark14.6
Hammersmith and Fulham10.6
Westminster8.6
Kingston upon Thames8.1
Merton5.0
Wandsworth4.4
Sutton3.7
Richmond upon Thames3.6
City of London0.0