§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet concluded his discussions with the Commissioner for Local Administration and with the representative body established under section 24 of the Local Government Act 1974 as to the possibility of improving procedures in respect of references to the local ombudsmen; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Commission for Local Administration in England and the representative body has 489W agreed a new procedure for improving access by complainants to the commission. This new procedure came into effect on 1 June 1984. Under it, the commission is referring all direct complaints back to the mayor or chairman of the authority against whom the complaint is made. The civic head can then attempt to settle the matter locally or failing that, formally sponsor the complaint to the commission.