CLG committee to hold inquiry into Local Government Ombudsman

The Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into the Local Government Ombudsman.

The committee said it would take oral evidence from the Ombudsman after Easter on its 2011 annual report and on its activities.

MPs on the committee have invited submissions from interested parties on the LGO’s work.

The call for evidence asks for submissions to cover issues such as:

• the function, purpose and remit of the LGO, including the proposed restructuring of the Commission;
• the volume and nature of complaints made to the LGO and expected trends;
• the arrangements for handling complaints;
• the adequacy of redress when maladministration is found;
• the impact of the extension of jurisdiction to include complaints from those who arrange or fund their own adult social care;
• the impact of the LGO's work on local authorities, particularly whether it leads to better administration and improved quality of service;
• LGO's Strategic Corporate Plan and business plan; and
• the LGO's management of staff, resources and budgets.

The CLG committee stressed that the inquiry would not look at individual cases considered or before the LGO, nor its handling of particular cases.

It has asked for submissions to be made by 4 pm on 23 March 2012.