Local Government Ombudsman
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Council problem? Find out when it’s better to use the Ombudsman

Archived press release

Date Published: 11/02/10

Lawyers can learn more about when it’s better to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman instead of going to court, at a training course accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority,

Lawyers can learn more about when it’s better to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman instead of going to court, at a training course accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. It aims to help lawyers understand the benefits of using the Ombudsman service. The Ombudsmen know that many people go to a lawyer when they have a problem with a local authority, so they believe it is increasingly important that lawyers understand the options for dealing with these clients’ cases.

Paul Warren, now an Investigator at the Ombudsman’s office, will be presenting the course. He explains: “I know from my own previous experience as an Advisor with Victims of Crime and as a local authority legal officer that there was very little awareness of the Ombudsman within legal and advisory circles. I can now think of many occasions where it would have been beneficial for those I was advising had I known more. So I want to increase lawyers’ awareness of a way to help their clients that they may not have considered and as a possible alternative to legal action.”

  • The next course is to be held in Coventry on Monday 22 March.
  • It covers issues including the Ombudsmen’s role and jurisdiction; how they investigate and put things right; the Ombudsman or the courts – options; and costs.
  • Solicitors Regulation Authority accreditation (3 hours CPD per course).
  • The course costs £120 per person.
  • For booking details or further information, contact Teresa Davey on 020 7217 4683 or email t.davey@lgo.org.uk