Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) Dr Jane Martin has welcomed the announcement by Rt Hon Oliver Letwin that the Government will review the current ombudsman landscape. The Minister’s comments were made this morning in front of Parliament’s Public Administration Select Committee.

Commenting on the news Dr Martin stated:

 "The significant changes that we have seen in the way public services are delivered further highlight the need for a complaints system that is effective and easy for the public to access. We are already working closely with other public service ombudsmen in England to deliver a more joined up system of redress that better meets the needs of the public.

"The Government’s announcement this morning is a timely and welcome opportunity to ensure that the ombudsman landscape in England better reflects the needs that people have in using public services whether they are delivered centrally or locally. I look forward to contributing to the review."

In its submission to the Public Administration Select Committee LGO called for a single ombudsman for all public services in England. A copy of that submission can be found here.

Article date: 16 October 2013