Annual data on complaints

Each year, we publish data about the number of complaints we receive about the NHS in England and UK government services, and the decisions we make on these complaints. This data covers the period from 1 April to 31 March each year and shows the decisions we made at each stage in the process.

Search and view annual complaints data for:

the NHS in England
UK government services

Download the data in an alternative format

You can download the annual complaints data in .csv files.

Complaints data for 2025 to 2026

Complaints data for 2024 to 2025

Complaints data from previous years

If you have any questions about the data, email our Public Affairs team at publicaffairs@ombudsman.org.uk. 

Information included in the data tables

An explanation of the information included in the data tables is provided below. 

  • Complaints received: This is the number of complaints we received between 1 April in one year and 31 March in the following year. The number of decisions we made may be different from the number of complaints we received. This is because we may have received some complaints in the previous year and made a decision the following year. For example, a complaint might be received in 2023 to 2024 then decided following a detailed investigation in 2024 to 2025.
  • Complaints resolved by mediation: Complaints where we have helped complainants and organisations agree a resolution through our mediation service.
  • Decided following primary investigation: Complaints where we made a decision following a primary investigation. This is when we look to see if the complaint can be resolved quickly without the need for further investigation. These figures do not include cases closed by mediation.
  • Resolved with agreement of the complainant at initial checks or primary investigation: This includes complaints we have resolved with the agreement of the complainant, without mediation or further investigation.