Local Government Ombudsman complaint data reveals the councils facing the highest levels of discontent among residents. Here’s what the data revealed says about the 10 worst councils in England.
1. Haringey Council
Haringey Council: Topping the list with 45.3 complaints per 10,000 residents, Haringey Council in Greater London faces the highest level of dissatisfaction.
Despite a relatively high uphold rate of 70.19%, indicating responsiveness to complaints, the sheer volume of grievances suggests significant room for improvement.
2. Lambeth Council
Lambeth Council: Lambeth Council, also situated in South London, is closely behind, with 44.7 complaints per 10,000 residents. Housing-related issues, with 433 complaints between 2016 and 2022, dominate the grievances against this council.
3. Newham Council
Newham Council: With 40.1 complaints per 10,000 residents, Newham Council ranks as England’s third most complained about council.
Although it boasts a relatively high uphold rate of 69.32%, the significant number of complaints underscores challenges in service delivery.
4. Ealing Council
Ealing Council: Ealing Council, with 38.4 complaints per 10,000 residents and a comparatively lower uphold rate of 60.42%, faces notable dissatisfaction among residents. Addressing concerns and improving service delivery could help enhance resident satisfaction.
5. Torbay Council
Torbay Council: The only non-London council in the top 10, Torbay Council, receives 31.7 complaints per 10,000 residents, indicating widespread dissatisfaction beyond the capital.
6. Hackney Council
Hackney Council: Located in Greater London, Hackney Council ranks sixth on the list with a significant 29.5 complaints per 10,000 residents. The council faces notable challenges in addressing resident concerns, particularly in areas such as housing and community services.
7. Brent Council
Brent Council: With 28.8 complaints per 10,000 residents, Brent Council occupies the seventh spot among England’s most complained about councils.
Despite efforts to improve service delivery, challenges persist, reflecting the need for targeted interventions to enhance resident satisfaction.
8. Greenwich Council
Greenwich Council: Greenwich Council, situated in South East London, receives 27.2 complaints per 10,000 residents, placing it eighth on the list. The council grapples with various issues ranging from housing to education, necessitating concerted efforts to address systemic shortcomings.
9. Southwark Council
Southwark Council: Southwark Council faces significant discontent among residents, with 25.6 complaints per 10,000 residents. While the council has made strides in certain areas, persistent challenges, particularly in housing and social services, underscore the need for comprehensive reforms.
10. Tower Hamlets Council
Tower Hamlets Council: Rounding up the top 10 is Tower Hamlets Council, with 24.3 complaints per 10,000 residents. Despite efforts to improve service delivery, the council continues to face criticism, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to address resident concerns.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dom J.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.