On 5 December 2016, the Cabinet Office published the draft Public Service Ombudsman Bill, setting out its proposals for bringing together the responsibilities of the current Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and the Local Government Ombudsman to create a new organisation with strengthened governance and accountability for complaints about public services in England. The Bill has had a long gestation, … Continue reading
On 5 December 2016, the Cabinet Office published the draft Public Service Ombudsman Bill, setting out its proposals for bringing together the responsibilities of the current Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and the Local Government Ombudsman to create a new organisation with strengthened governance and accountability for complaints about public services in England. The Bill has had a long gestation, … Continue reading
UK Parliament SNP MP Mhairi Black has published a Private Members’ Bill that would require the assessment of a benefit claimant’s circumstances before the implementation of sanctions. The Benefit Claimants Sanctions (Required Assessment) Bill is expected to resume its second reading debate on 24 January 2017, having been adjourned on 2 December. A Commons Library … Continue reading
UK Parliament The Investigatory Powers Bill has entered its final stage and is now ping ponging between the Lords and the Commons. The Commons accepted the majority of the Lords amendments, which were tabled by the Government and were aimed at adding or strengthening safeguards. The Commons rejected amendments tabled by Baroness Hollins, with cross … Continue reading
Parliament The Public Accounts Committee has published a report on the Ministry of Justice’s reforms to the probation system, aimed at reducing reoffending. The report expressed concerns about a lack of progress with the reforms. The new Secretary of State for Justice Liz Truss has given evidence to the Justice Committee. She confirmed that the … Continue reading