BackOn 14 June, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, who investigates complaints about government bodies that have not been resolved elsewhere, has launched a public consultation on whether complainants should have direct access to her service. Currently, members of the public need a referral from a Member of Parliament (MP) in order to bring their complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Research amongst the general public and those wanting to bring a complaint to the Ombudsman, published alongside the consultation today, found that although the majority of people surveyed appeared undeterred by the prospect of approaching an MP about their complaint, this is not the case for everyone. A significant proportion (19 per cent) said they would be less likely to bring a complaint to the Ombudsman because of the need to contact an MP firsti.
Comments Ann Abraham: 'Often, people who come to us for help have complaints that stem from difficult or distressing circumstances. Direct access to my Office would help to reduce the burden on them, providing a clearer and more straightforward route towards resolving problems that it has not been possible to resolve elsewhere.'
The Ombudsman's Direct Access consultation closes on 5 September 2011. Meanwhile the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman encourages anyone in the Ombudsman community to respond to the consultation.
Source: Office of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
