Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Deferred
Paragraph: 51
Publish PHSO digital ambition progress update and financial savings analysis in Annual Report
Conclusion
We welcome the PHSO’s digital ambition and believe that this is a sensible way to increase value for money. We request from the PHSO a further update on progress Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Scrutiny 2022–23 29 towards achieving these aims, along with a detailed analysis of any financial savings expected to be made as a result, with both to be included in the PHSO’s next Annual Report and Accounts.
Government Response Summary
The government's response did not address the request for an update on digital strategy progress or financial savings. Instead, it discussed the need for legislative reform for the PHSO and called on political parties to include such commitments in their manifestos.
Paragraph Reference:
51
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
10 Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Scrutiny 2022–23: Government and PHSO response We welcome this recommendation and PACAC’s continued support on the matter of legislative reform. It is regrettable that the Government has chosen not to act on the recommendations from PACAC and its predecessor Committees to progress Ombudsman reform. in the UK to generate efficiencies and improve services by creating a single Public Service Ombudsman. This could occur alongside reforms to: • Allow citizens a choice on whether to refer their complaint via their MP or directly to the Ombudsman; • Enable the Ombudsman to investigate public service failings that affect people who are unable or unwilling to complain; or • Introduce stronger powers to drive improvement in complaint-handling in frontline public services. upcoming manifestos ahead of the next General Election to reform the legislation relating to the PHSO. We believe that ombudsman services in England can play a stronger role in our justice landscape and that work to review the landscape and consult on the nature of reform could deliver significant efficiencies and improve access to justice.