Written question asked by Bill O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2004. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, which body is responsible for dealing with complaints of maladministration against the Local Government Ombudsman.

Answer: Mr. Mike O'Brien: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which body is responsible for dealing with complaints of maladministration against the local government ombudsman. [203636] Mr. Raynsford: The Local Government Act 1974 sets out the procedures which the Commission for Local Administration in England (the local government ombudsman) must follow in carrying out his investigations. Anyone who has a concern about the outcome of their complaint to the ombudsman, or the manner in which their complaint has been dealt with by the ombudsman's staff, can contact the ombudsman's office. The matter will then be considered by a senior member of staff, usually the deputy ombudsman. If the concern is about the actions of the ombudsman himself then the matter would be considered by the ombudsman. If he is unable to satisfy the concern raised, then the complainant can pursue in the courts an allegation of failure to carry out an investigation in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 203636; 428 c937W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Complaints Accountability Maladministration Local Government Ombudsman
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk