Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (Powers) Bill

Key Points

• Expands the Ombudsman's remit to identify and investigate systemic problems in the benefits system.
• Allows the Ombudsman to make recommendations to the Secretary of State based on findings.
• Focuses on broad, repeat issues affecting groups of benefit claimants rather than isolated cases.
• Could involve gathering information and access to documents from relevant bodies to support investigations.
• Connects to broader welfare accountability and service improvements.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons, so it is in the early stages of passage and has not yet reached committee or report stages.