Crap Towns / Westminster / Ombudsman complaints

How often does the ombudsman find against Westminster council?

In 2025-26 the ombudsman decided 141 complaints and enquiries about Westminster council, investigated 19 and upheld 18. That's an uphold rate of 95%, against 88% for similar councils. Per 100,000 residents that's 8.6 upheld, against 10.2 for similar councils. It had already put things right in 33% of upheld cases, against 14% for similar councils. Told to put things right, it did in 100% of 13 cases, 10 on time.

What the ombudsman decided, 2025-26
OutcomeComplaints and enquiries
Upheld18
Not upheld1
Closed after first enquiries74
Sent back to the council to sort out first35
Advice given7
Invalid or incomplete6
All decided141
What people complained about, 2025-26
ServiceComplaints and enquiries received
Housing77
Highways and transport20
Education and children's services19
Adult social care16
Corporate and other services9
Benefits and tax8
Bins, environment and public protection8
Planning3
Other1
Nearby councils
CouncilUpheld per 100,000 residents, 2025-26
Lambeth18.9
Kensington and Chelsea15.2
Southwark14.6
Camden12.4
Islington12.1
Hackney11.6
Hammersmith and Fulham10.6
Tower Hamlets9.3
Westminster8.6
Wandsworth4.4
City of London0.0