AMs consult on Welsh ombudsman powers

26 Oct 15
The Welsh Assembly finance committee is seeking views on proposals to increase the powers of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

In a report published in May, the committee recommended that the ombudsman be allowed to initiate their own investigations, to accept oral complaints and to handle complaints across public services. The committee also suggested that, in some circumstances, the ombudsman have jurisdiction over private healthcare providers.

The committee is now considering draft legislation that would bring in these changes and is consulting individuals and organisations for their views on the proposals and any barriers to implementing them.

Finance committee chair Jocelyn Davies said: “The committee believes the ombudsman has performed well up to this point, but that the role should be expanded in order to future proof it and make it more responsive to the needs of people in Wales. 

“We also said there would be a need for new legislation to make that happen.

“We would like people to consider our draft proposals and tell us whether they believe they will work and if and how they could be better.”

  • Vivienne Russell
    Vivienne Russell is managing editor of Public Finance magazine and publicfinance.co.uk

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