Advice on comparing statistics across years

In 2022-23 we changed our investigation processes, contributing towards an increase in the average uphold rate across all complaints. Consider comparing individual council uphold rates against the average rate rather than against previous years.

In 2020-21 we received and decided fewer complaints than normal because we stopped accepting new complaints for three months due to Covid-19.

Dorset County Council

Annual statistics ?Find out more about annual statistics

  • Complaints upheld

    71% of complaints we investigated were upheld.

    This compares to an average of 64% in similar authorities.

    24 upheld decisions

    View upheld decisions

    Statistics are based on a total of 34 detailed investigations for the period between 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019

  • Compliance with Ombudsman recommendations

    100% of cases we were satisfied the Council had successfully implemented our recommendations.

    This compares to an average of 99% in similar authorities.

    Statistics are based on a total of 19 compliance outcomes for the period between 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019

  • Satisfactory remedies provided by the Council

    In 0% of upheld cases we found the Council had provided a satisfactory remedy before the complaint reached the Ombudsman.

    This compares to an average of 9% in similar authorities.

    0 satisfactory remedy decisions

    Statistics are based on a total of 24 detailed investigations for the period between 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019

    View all satisfactory remedy decisions

Annual letters

We write to councils each year to give a summary of the complaint statistics we record about them,
and their performance in responding to our investigations.

View annual letters

Public reports ?Find out more about public reports

In the last nine years, the Ombudsman has published the following public interest reports against Dorset County Council

A boy with autism was left without proper education for two years by the former Dorset County Council after it failed to provide him with appropriate alternatives when it became clear mainstream school was not suitable for him.

1

Public reports for Dorset County Council

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Service improvements ?Find out more about service improvements

Since April 2018, the Council has agreed to make the following improvements to its services following an Ombudsman investigation. We list up to 10 cases below – click ‘view all’ if there are more.

Case reference: 18 014 507

Category: Education

Sub Category: Special educational needs

  • The Council has agreed to share the Ombudsman’s final decision statement with the Director of Children’s Services for learning purposes.

Case reference: 18 011 892

Category: Education

Sub Category: School transport

  • The Council has agreed to review its standard refusal letters for transport to education applications, to ensure they clearly explain the appeals process and relevant timescales.
  • The Council has agreed to review the guidance pages on its website for transport to education applications, to ensure they clearly explain the appeals process and relevant timescales.

12

Service improvements agreed by Dorset County Council

View all

Last updated: 4 April 2015

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