Scottish complaints to ombudsman reach record high

Summarised from Glasgow Times's report · Updated 29 Oct, 13:15 · Archive

Complaints to Scotland's public services ombudsman hit a record 6,500 in 2025-26, a 31% increase.

Complaints to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman have reached a record high of 6,500 in 2025-26, a 31% increase from the previous year. Nearly three-quarters of these complaints related to health, social care and local authority services. For the first time in recent years, local authority services made up the largest share at around 33% of total complaints.

The SPSO increased the number of complaints decisions it made by 17% compared to the previous year, marking a nearly 50% rise in output over six years. Whistleblowing concerns and contacts from NHS staff also rose by one third, reaching the highest level since the Independent National Whistleblowing Service began in 2021. Investigation times for whistleblowing complaints fell by about 25%.

Paul McFadden, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, said the service has 'responded effectively to the challenges', but warned that 'the upward trend in complaints is continuing through 2026-27 and brings risks to delivery and growing wait times'. The ombudsman said it continues to evolve how it works, focusing resources on areas of greatest need and highest risk of injustice.

Read the report

• Complaints about Scottish public services hit record high amid growing pressureComplaints made to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman have reached a record high.Glasgow Times · 29 Oct, 12:35

In this story: Scottish Public Services Ombudsman · Scotland · Paul McFadden

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