---

Legal Services Bill [HL]

moved Amendment No. 136AA: 136AA: Clause 138 , page 72, line 14, at end insert— ““( ) The scheme rules should provide that an ombudsman may take proceedings on behalf of a complainant in such circumstances as the rules may specify.”” The noble Lord said: Where the proceedings have led to the failure of the respondent to pay or make redress to the complainant, or in similar circumstances, the amendment would allow an ombudsman to take the legal lead in enforcing the redress penalty. It raises a more general question as to whether an ombudsman, if they found a serious breach by the respondent, could take action themselves rather than relying always on the original client and complainant to pursue the ramifications of legal action all the way through. I not only turned up late for the resumed proceedings, but also left my glasses in my office. Therefore, that is the sum total of my contribution on the amendment. I beg to move.