Public Services Ombudsmen: A Consultation Paper

Consultation Paper 196

Author:

The Law Commission

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £21.25

'Public Services Ombudsmen: A Consultation Paper (Consultation Paper 196)' presents proposals by the Law Commission for reforms to make it easier to complain if you experience poor public services.

The Public Services Ombudsmen have wide-ranging powers to investigate complaints against health service providers, housing associations and a host of Government departments and agencies. Complaints are dealt with for free and can result in financial compensation and an apology.

However, the procedures for making a complaint are often outdated and inconsistent. For example, complaints must usually be submitted in writing and in some cases can be made only through an MP.

The proposed reforms will help to keep cases out of court: under current rules the Ombudsman should not deal with a complaint after court proceedings have begun, even if the complainant was badly advised to go to court.

In future, the Law Commission would like courts to transfer appropriate cases to the ombudsman.

The paper focuses on five statutory ombudsmen:

• the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration;

• Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and;

• the Local Government, Health Service and Housing Ombudsmen.

Extent	95 pages	ISBN	9780118404945
Size	A4	Price	£21.25
Format	Paperback	Published	02 Sep 2010
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges