JUSTICE welcomes the proposal to widen access to the Parliamentary Ombudsman by removing the restriction that access should only be granted through an MP. We believe a ‘dual track system’ should exist – allowing complainants the choice of direct access or access via their MPs. In addition, it should be possible to submit complaints in forms other than in writing.
JUSTICE also notes that in its recent report, the Law Commission recommended a wide-ranging review of public service ombudsmen’s role as institutions for administrative justice, to assess how best they should be constituted to fulfil that role. We agree with these recommendations and would welcome wider reform in this area.