Public Sector Ombudsmen Services in England

I have today authorised the Regulatory Reform (Collaboration etc Between Ombudsmen) Order 2007. The reforms set out in the order have been developed in close consultation with the parliamentary ombudsman, the health service ombudsman for England, and the local government ombudsman for England, and have been subject to public consultation and detailed parliamentary scrutiny. Principally the reforms will enable the ombudsmen to work together collaboratively on cases and issues that are relevant to more than one of their individual jurisdictions, including undertaking joint investigations where this is appropriate, and issuing joint reports. The reforms will enable the ombudsmen to provide a more modern, responsive and co-ordinated service for complainants. The order will come into force on 1 August 2007.