Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
The Committee reiterates its conclusion that legislative reform of the PHSO is required.
Conclusion
The Committee reiterates its conclusion that legislative reform of the PHSO is required. The PHSO’s legislation is out of date compared to modern Ombudsman standards. While the Committee appreciates the pressing priorities facing the Government, including covid-19, reform of the PHSO should not be treated as a trifling matter and unworthy of parliamentary time. The PHSO represents the final stage in a complaints process. For many complainants, their complaints refer to matters of grave seriousness, such as the passing of a loved one, and it is essential they can have complete faith that there is an effective organisation at the end of the process. The outdated legislation undermines this important aim. (Paragraph 41) 18 Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Scrutiny 2019–20 Impact on other organisations
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government appreciates the desire of PACAC to modernise Ombudsman standards and agrees that this is an important matter. As outlined by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in September 2020, the current pressures on the Government and the parliamentary timetable mean the 2016 Bill has not progressed and there are no plans to reform the Ombudsman system up to and including 2023–24. We will nonetheless carefully consider the committee’s findings and any future opportunities.