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Written question asked by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 January 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Service Complaints Ombudsman

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Coaker on 19 December (HL3498), what filtering mechanisms exist within the service complaints system to prevent vexatious complaints.

Answer

The following guidance is provided in Joint Service Publication 831 (Redress of Individual Grievances: Service Complaints) for complaint handlers should it be considered that a complaint may be vexatious:

All complaints are to be taken seriously and handled professionally and with consideration. If it is considered that a complaint may be vexatious, legal advice should be sought before making a decision on admissibility. Decision makers will need to consider if the complaint is substantially the same as a Service Complaint that has already been submitted and which has either been decided previously under the Service Complaints system or is currently being considered under the Service Complaints Process.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4256
Session
2024-26
Related items
Service Complaints Ombudsman
Thursday, 19 December 2024
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Complaints Service Complaints Ombudsman
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk