An independent external evaluation of the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) is published today. It confirms that the LGO is independent and accountable; and it provides clear evidence that the public have access to a fair and effective route to redress when they have complaints about local public services and social care providers.

The report makes a number of recommendations about how the LGO can develop further, and also calls for a review of the legislative framework that governs the operation of the Ombudsman scheme.

Dr Jane Martin, Local Government Ombudsman stated:

“We welcome this report and its confirmation that we meet the important tests of independence, fairness, effectiveness, openness and accountability. It gives the public confidence that the service we provide ensures access to redress when public services let them down.

“We also welcome the recommendations made in the report. We are actively considering how we will achieve these and will report our progress to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee. We look forward to working constructively with our sponsor department and Parliament to deliver the legislative changes we need to continue our development as a modern, responsive and accountable ombudsman service.”

The external evaluation was carried out by Richard Thomas CBE, Chair of the Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council; Jim Martin, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman; and Dr Richard Kirkham from the University of Sheffield; and was commissioned by the LGO on the advice of the CLG Select Committee.

Article date: 29 April 2013