Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005
There is to be a Public Services Ombudsman for Wales or Ombwdsmon Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus Cymru (in this Act referred to as “the Ombudsman”).
Schedule 1 makes further provision about the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman may investigate a complaint under this Part in respect of a matter if—
the complaint has been duly made or referred to him, and
the matter is one which he is entitled to investigate under sections 7 to 11.
A complaint is “duly made” to the Ombudsman if (but only if)—
it is made by a person who is entitled under section 4 to make the complaint to the Ombudsman, and
the requirements of section 5 are met in respect of it.
A complaint is “duly referred” to the Ombudsman if (but only if)—
it is referred to him by a listed authority, and
the requirements of section 6 are met in respect of it.
The Ombudsman may investigate a complaint under this Part in respect of a matter even if the requirements of section 5(1) or (as the case may be) section 6(1)(b) or (d) are not met in respect of the complaint, if—
the matter is one which he is entitled to investigate under sections 7 to 11, and
he thinks it reasonable to do so.
It is for the Ombudsman to decide whether to begin, continue or discontinue an investigation.
The Ombudsman may take any action which he thinks may assist in making a decision under subsection (5).
The Ombudsman may begin or continue an investigation into a complaint even if the complaint, or the referral of the complaint, has been withdrawn.
The Ombudsman may take any action he thinks appropriate with a view to resolving a complaint which he has power to investigate under section 2.
The Ombudsman may take action under this section in addition to or instead of conducting an investigation into the complaint.
Any action under this section must be taken in private.
The persons entitled to make a complaint to the Ombudsman under this Part are—
a member of the public (in this Part referred to as “the person aggrieved”) who claims or claimed to have sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of a matter which the Ombudsman is entitled to investigate under sections 7 to 11;
a person authorised by the person aggrieved to act on his behalf;
if the person aggrieved is not capable of authorising a person to act on his behalf (for example because he has died), a person who appears to the Ombudsman to be appropriate to act on behalf of the person aggrieved.
“Member of the public” means any person other than a listed authority acting in its capacity as such.
It is for the Ombudsman to determine any question of whether a person is entitled under this section to make a complaint to him.
The requirements mentioned in section 2(2)(b) are that—
the complaint must be made in writing;
the complaint must be made to the Ombudsman before the end of the period of one year starting on the day on which the person aggrieved first has notice of the matters alleged in the complaint.
It is for the Ombudsman to determine any question of whether the requirements of subsection (1) are met in respect of a complaint.
The requirements mentioned in section 2(3)(b) are that—
the complaint must have been made to the listed authority by a person who would have been entitled under section 4 to make the complaint to the Ombudsman;
the complaint must have been made to the listed authority before the end of the period of one year starting on the day on which the person aggrieved first had notice of the matters alleged in the complaint;
the complaint must be referred to the Ombudsman in writing;
the complaint must be referred to the Ombudsman before the end of the period of one year starting on the day on which the complaint was made to the listed authority.
It is for the Ombudsman to determine any question of whether the requirements of subsection (1) are met in respect of a complaint.
The matters which the Ombudsman is entitled to investigate under this Part are—
alleged maladministration by a listed authority in connection with relevant action;
an alleged failure in a relevant service provided by a listed authority;
an alleged failure by a listed authority to provide a relevant service.
Subsection (1) is subject to sections 8 to 11.
Relevant action is—
in the case of a listed authority which is a family health service provider in Wales or an independent provider in Wales, action taken by the authority in connection with the provision of a relevant service;
in the case of a listed authority which is a social landlord in Wales or a Welsh health service body other than the Welsh Ministers, action taken by the authority in the discharge of any of its functions;
in the case of a listed authority which is a person with functions conferred by regulations made under section 113(2) of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), action taken by the authority in the discharge of any of those functions;
in the case of a listed authority which is a listed authority by virtue of an order under section 28(2) adding it to Schedule 3, action taken by the authority in the discharge of any of its specified functions;
in any other case, action taken by the authority in the discharge of any of its administrative functions.
A relevant service is—
in the case of a listed authority which is a family health service provider in Wales, any of the family health services which the authority had, at the time of the action which is the subject of the complaint, entered into a contract, undertaken, or made arrangements, to provide;
in the case of a listed authority which is an independent provider in Wales, any service which the authority had, at that time, made arrangements with a Welsh health service body or a family health service provider in Wales to provide;
in the case of a listed authority falling within subsection (3)(c), any service which it was, at that time, the authority's function to provide in the discharge of any of the functions mentioned in that paragraph;
in the case of a listed authority falling within subsection (3)(d), any service which it was, at that time, the authority's function to provide in the discharge of any of its specified functions;
in any other case, any service which it was, at that time, the authority's function to provide.
For the purposes of subsections (3)(d) and (4)(d), a listed authority's specified functions are the functions specified in relation to the authority in an order under section 28(2) as falling within the Ombudsman's remit.
An administrative function which may be discharged by a person who is a member of the administrative staff of a relevant tribunal is to be treated as an administrative function of a listed authority for the purposes of subsection (3) if—
the person was appointed by the authority, or
the person was appointed with the consent of the authority (whether as to remuneration and other terms and conditions of service or otherwise).
The Ombudsman may not investigate a matter arising in connection with the discharge by a listed authority of any of the authority's functions otherwise than in relation to Wales.
Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the Welsh Assembly Government.
To the extent that a function of a listed authority is discharged in relation to the Welsh language or any other aspect of Welsh culture, it is to be regarded for the purposes of subsection (1) as discharged in relation to Wales.
The Ombudsman may not investigate a matter under this Part if the person aggrieved has or had—
a right of appeal, reference or review to or before a tribunal constituted under an enactment or by virtue of Her Majesty's prerogative,
a right of appeal to a Minister of the Crown or the , the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister for Wales or the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government, or
a remedy by way of proceedings in a court of law.
But subsection (1) does not apply if the Ombudsman is satisfied that, in the particular circumstances, it is not reasonable to expect the person to resort, or to have resorted, to the right or remedy.
The Ombudsman may investigate a matter under this Part only if he is satisfied that—
the matter has been brought to the attention of the listed authority to which it relates by or on behalf of the person aggrieved, and
the authority has been given a reasonable opportunity to investigate and respond to it.
But subsection (3) does not prevent the Ombudsman from investigating a matter if he is satisfied that it is reasonable in the particular circumstances for him to investigate the matter despite the fact that the requirements of that subsection have not been met.
The Ombudsman may not investigate under this Part a matter specified in Schedule 2.
The Welsh Ministers may by order amend Schedule 2 by—
adding an entry;
removing an entry;
changing an entry.
Before making an order under subsection (2), the Welsh Ministers must consult the Ombudsman.
Subsection (1) does not prevent the Ombudsman from investigating action of a listed authority in operating a procedure established to examine complaints or review decisions.
No order is to be made under subsection (2) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.
The Ombudsman may not question the merits of a decision taken without maladministration by a listed authority in the exercise of a discretion.
Subsection (1) does not apply to the merits of a decision to the extent that the decision was taken in consequence of the exercise of professional judgement which appears to the Ombudsman to be exercisable in connection with the provision of health or social care.
If the Ombudsman decides under section 2(5)— he must prepare a statement of the reasons for his decision.
not to begin an investigation into a complaint in respect of a listed authority, or
to discontinue such an investigation,
The Ombudsman must send a copy of the statement to—
the person who made the complaint, and
the listed authority.
The Ombudsman may send a copy of the statement to any other persons he thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may publish a statement under this section if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons he thinks appropriate, he considers it to be in the public interest to do so.
The Ombudsman may supply a copy of a statement published under subsection (4), or any part of such a statement, to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a statement, or part of a statement, under subsection (5).
If a statement prepared under subsection (1)— that information must not be included in a version of the statement sent to a person under subsection (2) or (3) or published under subsection (4), subject to subsection (8).
mentions the name of any person other than the listed authority in respect of which the complaint was made, or
includes any particulars which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, are likely to identify any such person and which, in his opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the statement,
Subsection (7) does not apply in relation to a version of the statement if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons he thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers it to be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the statement.
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If the Ombudsman conducts an investigation into a complaint in respect of a listed authority, he must—
give the listed authority an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint;
give any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of an opportunity to comment on any allegations relating to that person.
An investigation must be conducted in private.
Subject to subsections (1) and (2), the procedure for conducting an investigation is to be such as the Ombudsman thinks appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
In particular, the Ombudsman may—
make such inquiries as he thinks appropriate;
determine whether any person may be represented in the investigation by an authorised person or otherwise.
The Ombudsman may pay to the person who made the complaint and to any other person who attends or supplies information for the purposes of the investigation— subject to such conditions as he may determine.
such sums as he may determine in respect of expenses properly incurred by them, and
such allowances as he may determine by way of compensation for the loss of their time,
In subsection (4) “authorised person” means a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes the exercise of a right of audience or the conduct of litigation (within the meaning of that Act).
The conduct of an investigation in respect of a listed authority does not affect—
the validity of any action taken by the listed authority, or
any power or duty of the listed authority to take further action with respect to any matter under investigation.
For the purposes of an investigation the Ombudsman may require a person he thinks is able to supply information or produce a document relevant to the investigation to do so.
This section applies in relation to investigations conducted under this Part.
For the purposes of an investigation the Ombudsman has the same powers as the High Court in respect of—
the attendance and examination of witnesses (including the administration of oaths and affirmations and the examination of witnesses abroad), and
the production of documents.
For the purposes of an investigation the Ombudsman may require a person he thinks is able to supply information or produce a document relevant to the investigation to provide any facility he may reasonably require.
Subject to subsection (6), no person is to be compelled for the purposes of an investigation to give any evidence or produce any document which he could not be compelled to give or produce in civil proceedings before the High Court.
No obligation to maintain secrecy or other restriction on the disclosure of information obtained by or supplied to persons in Her Majesty's service, whether imposed by any enactment or rule of law, is to apply to the disclosure of information for the purposes of an investigation.
The Crown is not entitled in relation to an investigation to any privilege in respect of the production of documents or the giving of evidence that would otherwise be allowed by law in legal proceedings.
If the Ombudsman is satisfied that the condition in subsection (2) is met in relation to a person, he may issue a certificate to that effect to the High Court.
The condition is that the person—
without lawful excuse, has obstructed the discharge of any of the Ombudsman's functions under this Part, or
has done an act in relation to an investigation which, if the investigation were proceedings in the High Court, would constitute contempt of court.
But the condition in subsection (2) is not met in relation to a person merely because he has taken action such as is mentioned in section 13(6).
If the Ombudsman issues a certificate under subsection (1), the High Court may inquire into the matter.
If the High Court is satisfied that the condition in subsection (2) is met in relation to the person, it may deal with him in any manner in which it could have dealt with him if he had committed contempt in relation to the High Court.
The Ombudsman must, after conducting an investigation into a complaint in respect of a listed authority— This is subject to section 21.
prepare a report on his findings, and
send a copy of the report to all the appropriate persons.
The appropriate persons are—
the person who made the complaint;
the listed authority;
any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of;
if the listed authority is a family health service provider in Wales—
any Local Health Board with whom the authority had, at the time of the action which is the subject of the complaint, entered into a contract to provide the family health services which are under investigation;
any person to whom the authority had, at that time, undertaken to provide those services;
any person with whom the authority had, at that time, made arrangements for the provision of those services;
if the listed authority is an independent provider in Wales—
any Welsh health service body with whom the authority had, at the time of the action which is the subject of the complaint, made arrangements for the provision of the services under investigation;
any family health service provider in Wales with whom the authority had, at that time, made arrangements for the provision of those services;
the First Minister for Wales(unless the listed authority is itself the Welsh Assembly Government or is a local authority in Wales).
The Ombudsman may send a copy of the report to any other persons he thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may publish a report prepared under this section if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons he thinks appropriate, he considers it to be in the public interest to do so.
The Ombudsman may supply a copy of a report published under subsection (4), or any part of such a report, to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a report, or part of a report, under subsection (5).
If a report prepared under this section— that information must not be included in a version of the report sent to a person under subsection (1)(b) or (3) or published under subsection (4), subject to subsection (8).
mentions the name of any person other than the listed authority in respect of which the complaint was made, or
includes any particulars which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, are likely to identify any such person and which, in his opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the report,
Subsection (7) does not apply in relation to a version of the report if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons he thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers it to be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the report.
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If an investigation is conducted in respect of a listed authority and the authority receives a copy of a report under section 16(1)(b), the authority must make copies of that version of the report available for a period of at least three weeks—
at one or more of the authority's offices, and
if the authority has a website, on the website.
Throughout that period of three weeks, any person may—
inspect the copy of the report at the office or offices concerned at any reasonable time without payment;
make a copy of the report or any part of it at any reasonable time without payment;
require the authority to supply him with a copy of the report or any part of it, on payment of a reasonable sum if requested;
if the authority has a website, view the copy of the report on the website without payment.
Not later than two weeks after the copy of the report is received by the listed authority it must ensure that a notice is published in a newspaper circulating in the part of Wales in which the matter which is the subject of the report arose.
The notice must specify—
the date on which the period of three weeks referred to in subsection (1) will begin,
the office or offices at which a copy of the report can be inspected, and
the address of the authority's website (if any).
The Ombudsman may give directions to listed authorities with regard to the discharge of their functions under this section.
Directions under subsection (5) may relate—
to a particular listed authority in respect of a particular report, or
generally to the discharge of functions under this section by all or any listed authorities.
A person commits an offence if—
he wilfully obstructs a person in the exercise of a right conferred by subsection (2)(a), (b) or (d), or
he refuses to comply with a requirement under subsection (2)(c).
A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
The Ombudsman may direct that subsections (1) to (4) are not to apply in relation to a particular report.
In deciding whether to give a direction under subsection (9), the Ombudsman must take into account—
the public interest,
the interests of the person aggrieved, and
the interests of any other persons he thinks appropriate.
If an investigation is conducted in respect of a listed authority which is a family health service provider in Wales, section 17 has effect with the modifications specified in subsections (2) to (4).
For subsection (1) substitute—
The references to the listed authority are to be taken to be references to that person.
The references to listed authorities, or to a particular listed authority, are to be taken to be references to persons, or a particular person, of the same description as that person.
If an investigation is conducted in respect of a listed authority which is an independent provider in Wales, section 17 has effect with the modifications specified in subsections (6) to (8).
For subsection (1) substitute—
The references to the listed authority are to be taken to be references to that person.
The references to listed authorities, or to a particular listed authority, are to be taken to be references to persons, or a particular person, of the same description as that person.
This section applies if, in a report under section 16 of an investigation in respect of a listed authority, the Ombudsman concludes that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of the matter investigated.
The listed authority must consider the report and notify the Ombudsman before the end of the permitted period of—
the action it has taken or proposes to take in response to it, and
the period before the end of which it proposes to have taken that action (if it has not already done so).
The permitted period is—
the period of one month beginning on the date on which the authority receives the report, or
any longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing.
If the Ombudsman is satisfied that the condition in subsection (2) is met in relation to a listed authority, he may issue a certificate to that effect to the High Court.
The condition is that the listed authority has wilfully disregarded his report without lawful excuse.
This section applies if, after the Ombudsman has conducted an investigation into a complaint in respect of a listed authority—
he concludes that the person aggrieved has not sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of the matter investigated, and
he is satisfied that the public interest does not require sections 16 to 19 to apply.
This section also applies if, after the Ombudsman has conducted an investigation into a complaint in respect of a listed authority—
he concludes that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of the matter investigated,
the listed authority agrees to implement, before the end of the permitted period, any recommendations he makes, and
he is satisfied that the public interest does not require sections 16 to 19 to apply.
The permitted period is—
a period agreed between the Ombudsman, the listed authority and the person who made the complaint, or
if the Ombudsman thinks that no such agreement can be reached, the period specified by him in writing.
The Ombudsman may decide to prepare a report on his findings under this section instead of under section 16.
If the Ombudsman decides to prepare a report under this section—
sections 16 to 19 do not apply;
he must send a copy of the report to—
the person who made the complaint;
the listed authority;
he may send a copy of the report to any other persons he thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may publish a report prepared under this section if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons he thinks appropriate, he considers it to be in the public interest to do so.
The Ombudsman may supply a copy of a report published under subsection (6), or any part of such a report, to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a report, or part of a report, under subsection (7).
If a report prepared under this section— that information must not be included in a version of the report sent to a person under subsection (5) or published under subsection (6), subject to subsection (10).
mentions the name of any person other than the listed authority in respect of which the complaint was made, or
includes any particulars which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, are likely to identify any such person and which, in his opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the report,
Subsection (9) does not apply in relation to a version of the report if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons he thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers it to be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the report.
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The Ombudsman may prepare a report under this section (a “special report”) if subsection (2), (4) or (6) applies.
This subsection applies if, in a report under section 16, the Ombudsman has concluded that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of the matter investigated and—
the Ombudsman has not received the notification required under section 19 before the end of the period permitted under that section,
he has received that notification but he is not satisfied with—
the action which the listed authority has taken or proposes to take, or
the period before the end of which it proposes to have taken that action, or
he has received that notification but he is not satisfied that the listed authority has, before the end of the permitted period, taken the action it proposed to take.
The permitted period for the purposes of subsection (2)(c) is—
the period referred to in section 19(2)(b), or
any longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing.
This subsection applies if the Ombudsman—
has prepared a report under section 21 by virtue of subsection (2) of that section, and
is not satisfied that the listed authority has implemented his recommendations before the end of the permitted period.
The permitted period for the purposes of subsection (4)(b) is—
the period referred to in section 21(2)(b), or
any longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing.
This subsection applies if—
a complaint in respect of a listed authority has been resolved under section 3,
in resolving the complaint, the Ombudsman has concluded that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of the matter which is the subject of the complaint,
the listed authority has agreed to take particular action before the end of a particular period, and
the Ombudsman is not satisfied that the listed authority has taken that action before the end of the permitted period.
The permitted period for the purposes of subsection (6)(d) is—
the period referred to in subsection (6)(c), or
any longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing.
A special report must—
set out the facts on the basis of which subsection (2), (4) or (6) applies, and
make such recommendations as the Ombudsman thinks fit with respect to the action which, in his opinion, should be taken—
to remedy the injustice or hardship to the person aggrieved, and
to prevent similar injustice or hardship being caused in the future.
The Ombudsman must send a copy of a special report—
if the special report is prepared because subsection (2) applies, to each person to whom a copy of the report under section 16 was sent under section 16(1)(b);
if the special report is prepared because subsection (4) or (6) applies, to the person who made the complaint and the listed authority.
The Ombudsman may send a copy of a special report to any other persons he thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may—
publish a special report made under section 22 ;
supply a copy of the published report or any part of it to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a report (or part of a report) under subsection (1)(b).
The listed authority in respect of which a special report is made must reimburse the Ombudsman for the cost of publishing a special report if requested to do so by the Ombudsman.
If a special report— that information must not be included in a version of the report sent to a person under section 22(9) or (10) or published under subsection (1) of this section, subject to subsection (5).
mentions the name of any person other than the listed authority in respect of which the complaint was made, or
includes any particulars which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, are likely to identify any such person and which, in his opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the report,
Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to a version of the special report if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons he thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers it to be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the special report.
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Sections 17 and 18 (publicising reports under section 16) apply in relation to a special report under section 22 as they apply in relation to a report under section 16.
This section applies if a special report is made in a case where the complaint was made in respect of the Welsh Assembly Government or the National Assembly for Wales Commission.
The relevant person must—
lay a copy of the report before the Assembly, . . .
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In subsection (2) “the relevant person” means—
if the complaint was made in respect of the Welsh Assembly Government, the First Minister for Wales, and
if the complaint was made in respect of the National Assembly for Wales Commission, a member of that Commission.
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This section applies if, in making a decision under section 2(5) or conducting an investigation, the Ombudsman forms the opinion that any matter which is the subject of the complaint or investigation could be the subject of an investigation by an ombudsman mentioned in subsection (7).
The Ombudsman must consult that ombudsman about the matter.
The Ombudsman may co-operate with that ombudsman in relation to the matter.
Consultation under subsection (2), and co-operation under subsection (3), may extend to anything relating to any matter the subject of the complaint or investigation, including in particular—
the conduct of an investigation into the complaint;
the form, content and publication of a report of the investigation.
If the Ombudsman consults an ombudsman about a matter under subsection (2), the Ombudsman and that ombudsman may—
conduct a joint investigation into the matter;
prepare a joint report in relation to the investigation;
publish the joint report.
Subsection (5) does not apply if the ombudsman consulted under subsection (2) is the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
The ombudsmen referred to in subsection (1) are—
the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration;
the Health Service Commissioner for England;
a Local Commissioner;
the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman;
a housing ombudsman appointed in accordance with a scheme approved under section 51 of the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52);
the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.
The Assembly may by order amend subsection (7) by—
adding a person;
omitting a person;
changing the description of a person.
An order under subsection (8) may add a person to subsection (7) only if the person appears to the Assembly to have functions relating to the investigation of complaints.
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The information to which this section applies is—
information obtained by the Ombudsman, a member of his staff or another person acting on his behalf or assisting him in the discharge of any of his functions—
in deciding whether to begin an investigation,
in the course of an investigation, or
in resolving a complaint under section 3;
information obtained from an ombudsman mentioned in section 25(7) by virtue of any provision of section 25 or a corresponding provision in an enactment relating to any of those ombudsmen;
information obtained from the Information Commissioner by virtue of section 76 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36) (disclosure between Information Commissioner and ombudsmen).
The information must not be disclosed except—
for the purposes of deciding whether to begin an investigation;
for the purposes of an investigation;
for the purposes of resolving a complaint under section 3;
for the purposes of a statement or report made in relation to a complaint or investigation;
for the purposes of any provision of section 25;
for the purposes of proceedings for—
an offence under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 alleged to have been committed by the Ombudsman, a member of his staff or other person acting on his behalf or assisting him in the discharge of any of his functions;
an offence of perjury alleged to have been committed in the course of an investigation;
for the purposes of an inquiry with a view to the taking of proceedings mentioned in paragraph (f);
for the purposes of proceedings under section 15 (obstruction and contempt);
in the case of information to the effect that a person is likely to constitute a threat to the health or safety of one or more persons, to any person to whom the Ombudsman thinks it should be disclosed in the public interest;
in the case of information to which subsection (3) applies, to the Information Commissioner.
This subsection applies to information if it appears to the Ombudsman to relate to—
a matter in respect of which the Information Commissioner could exercise a power conferred by an enactment mentioned in subsection (4), or
the commission of an offence mentioned in subsection (5).
The enactments are—
Part 5 of the Data Protection Act 1998 (c. 29) (enforcement);
section 48 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36) (practice recommendations);
Part 4 of that Act (enforcement).
The offences are those under—
any provision of the Data Protection Act 1998 other than paragraph 12 of Schedule 9 to that Act (obstruction of execution of warrant);
section 77 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (offence of altering etc. records with intent to prevent disclosure).
No person may be called upon to give evidence in any proceedings (other than proceedings mentioned in subsection (2)) of information obtained by him as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b).
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A Minister of the Crown may give notice to the Ombudsman with respect to— that, in the opinion of the Minister, the disclosure of that document or information, or of documents or information of that class, would be prejudicial to the safety of the State or otherwise contrary to the public interest.
any document or information specified in the notice, or
any class of document or information so specified,
If a notice is given under subsection (1), nothing in this Act is to be construed as authorising or requiring the Ombudsman, a member of his staff or another person acting on his behalf or assisting him in the discharge of any of his functions to disclose to any person or for any purpose any document or information, or class of document or information, specified in the notice.
The persons specified in Schedule 3 are listed authorities for the purposes of this Act.
The Welsh Ministers may by order amend Schedule 3 by—
adding a person;
omitting a person;
changing the description of a person.
An order under subsection (2) adding a person to Schedule 3 may provide for this Act to apply to the person with the modifications specified in the order.
Before making an order under subsection (2), the Welsh Ministers must consult the Ombudsman and any other persons it thinks appropriate.
Sections 29 and 30 contain further restrictions on the power in subsection (2).
No order is to be made under subsection (2) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.
An order under section 28(2) may not omit the Welsh Assembly Government or the National Assembly for Wales Commission from Schedule 3.
An order under section 28(2) may add a person to Schedule 3 only if—
the person has functions dischargeable in relation to Wales or a part of Wales (whether or not the functions are also dischargeable otherwise than in relation to Wales),
all or some of the person's functions are in a field in which the Welsh Ministers have, or the First Minister for Wales or the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government has, functions, and
the person falls within subsection (3), (4) or (5).
A person falls within this subsection if—
it is a body established by or under an enactment or by virtue of Her Majesty's prerogative or in any other way by a Minister of the Crown, a government department, the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister for Wales, the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government or another listed authority,
it is a body wholly or partly constituted by appointment made by Her Majesty, a Minister of the Crown, a government department, the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister for Wales, the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government or another listed authority, and
at least half of its expenditure on the discharge of its functions in relation to Wales is met out of the Welsh Consolidated Fund or is met directly from payments made by other listed authorities.
A person falls within this subsection if—
it is a body established by or under an enactment, and
it has power to issue a precept or a levy.
A person falls within this subsection if—
it appears to the Welsh Ministers that the person discharges functions of a public nature, and
at least half of the person's expenditure on the discharge of those functions in relation to Wales is met out of the Welsh Consolidated Fund or directly or indirectly from payments made by other listed authorities.
An order under section 28(2) may not add to Schedule 3—
a Special Health Authority discharging functions only or mainly in England;
a person who carries on under national ownership an industry or undertaking or part of an industry or undertaking.
If the Welsh Ministers propose to make an order under section 28(2) adding a person to Schedule 3, they must also specify in the order—
whether all or only some of the person's functions are to fall within the remit of the Ombudsman under this Part;
if only some of the person's functions are to fall within the remit of the Ombudsman under this Part, which those functions are.
If the person is to be added to Schedule 3 on the basis that the person falls within section 29(3) or (4), the order may specify a function under subsection (1) only if the function is in a field in which the Welsh Ministers have, or the First Minister for Wales or the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government has, functions.
If the person is to be added to Schedule 3 on the basis that the person falls within section 29(5), the order may specify a function under subsection (1) only if—
the function is in a field in which the Welsh Ministers have, or the First Minister for Wales or the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government has, functions, and
the function appears to the Welsh Ministers to be a function of a public nature.
The order may specify all a person's functions under subsection (1) only if all the person's functions satisfy the requirements of subsection (2) or (as the case may be) subsection (3).
The Ombudsman may issue to one or more listed authorities such guidance about good administrative practice as he thinks appropriate.
Before issuing guidance under this section the Ombudsman must consult such listed authorities, or persons appearing to him to represent them, as he thinks appropriate.
If guidance issued under this section is applicable to a listed authority, the authority must have regard to the guidance in discharging its functions.
In conducting an investigation in respect of a listed authority, the Ombudsman may have regard to the extent to which the authority has complied with any guidance issued under this section which is applicable to the authority.
The Ombudsman may publish any guidance issued under this section in any manner that he thinks appropriate, including in particular by putting the guidance in an annual or extraordinary report.
Guidance issued under this section may contain different provision for different purposes.
Subject to subsection (8), guidance issued under this section must not—
mention the name of any person other than the listed authorities to which it is applicable or a listed authority in respect of which a complaint has been made or referred to the Ombudsman under this Act, or
include any particulars which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, are likely to identify any such person and which, in his opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the guidance.
Subsection (7) does not apply if, after taking account of the interests of any persons he thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers it to be in the public interest to include that information in the guidance.
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the publication of a matter by the Ombudsman, a member of his staff or another person acting on his behalf or assisting him in the discharge of any of his functions, in the discharge of any of the Ombudsman’s functions under this Act;
the publication of a matter by a person in the discharge of functions under section 17;
the publication of a matter in connection with a complaint made or referred to the Ombudsman under this Part, in communications between—
a listed authority, a member or co-opted member of a listed authority, an officer or member of the staff of a listed authority or another person acting on behalf of a listed authority or assisting it in the discharge of any of its functions, and
the Ombudsman, a member of his staff or another person acting on his behalf or assisting him in the discharge of any of his functions;
the publication of any matter in connection with a complaint made or referred (or to be made or referred) by or on behalf of a person to the Ombudsman under this Part, in communications between a person and an Assembly member;
the publication of any matter in connection with a complaint made or referred (or to be made or referred) by or on behalf of a person to the Ombudsman under this Part, in communications between the person and the Ombudsman, a member of his staff or another person acting on his behalf or assisting him in the discharge of any of his functions.
A listed authority must take reasonable steps to provide information to the public about—
the right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman in respect of the authority,
the right of the authority to refer a complaint to the Ombudsman,
the time limits for making and referring complaints to the Ombudsman, and
how to contact the Ombudsman.
In particular, information about the matters specified in subsection (1) must be included in or provided with—
any document published by the listed authority which contains information about—
relevant services provided by the authority to members of the public, or
the procedures of the authority for dealing with complaints, and
any document issued by the listed authority in responding to a complaint made to it by a person who might be entitled to make the complaint to the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman may issue guidance to listed authorities with respect to the discharge of their functions under this section.
A listed authority must have regard to guidance given by the Ombudsman under subsection (3).
“Relevant service” has the meaning given in section 7.
This section applies to a care home provider (see section 34R), a domiciliary care provider (see section 34S) or an independent palliative care provider (see section 34T) as it applies to a listed authority.
But in its application in accordance with subsection (8), the reference to “relevant services” in subsection (2)(a)(i) is to be read as a reference to the matters to which Part 2A applies (see section 34A).
This section applies if—
a complaint in respect of a matter is made or referred to the Ombudsman, and
the complaint is one which the Ombudsman has power to investigate under section 2.
The listed authority in respect of which the complaint is made may make a payment to, or provide any other benefit for, the person aggrieved in respect of the matter which is the subject of the complaint.
It is immaterial for the purposes of this section that the Ombudsman has decided not to investigate the complaint, has discontinued an investigation of the complaint, has not yet completed an investigation of the complaint or has not upheld the complaint.
The power in subsection (2) does not affect any other power of the listed authority to make the payment or provide the benefit.
Schedule 4 (which confers functions on the Ombudsman in relation to the conduct of local government members and employees) has effect.
The Commission for Local Administration in Wales is abolished.
The office of Welsh Administration Ombudsman is abolished.
The office of Health Service Commissioner for Wales is abolished.
The office of Social Housing Ombudsman for Wales is abolished.
Schedule 5 (which provides for the transfer of property, staff etc. to the Ombudsman) has effect.
Subsection (2) applies if—
a complaint has been made or referred to an existing Welsh ombudsman before the commencement date, and
the complaint has not been determined by that ombudsman before that date.
On and after the commencement date, the relevant existing enactment continues to apply for the purposes of the complaint despite the other provisions of this Act.
Subsection (4) applies if—
a complaint could (but for the other provisions of this Act) have been made or referred to an existing Welsh ombudsman, and
the complaint relates to action taken by a person before the commencement date.
On and after the commencement date, the relevant existing enactment continues to apply for the purposes of enabling the complaint to be made or referred, and for the purposes of the complaint if made or referred, despite the other provisions of this Act.
As applied by subsections (2) and (4), the relevant existing enactment has effect as if for references to the existing Welsh ombudsman in relation to which that enactment applies there were substituted references to the Ombudsman.
In this section—
a Local Commissioner who is a member of the Commission for Local Administration in Wales;
“domiciliary care” has the meaning given by section 34S(2);
The Local Government Act 1974 is amended as follows.
In section 134 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (correspondence of patients), in subsection (3)(c)—
for “the Welsh Administration Ombudsman” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
omit “, the Health Service Commissioner for Wales”.
“relevant employee” means a person who, immediately before the commencement date, was an officer or member of staff of an existing authority;
In section 54 of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (restriction on disclosure of information) in subsection (2)(d), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
Section 23 (the Commissions for Local Administration) is amended as follows. In subsection (1)— In subsection (2), for “each of the Commissions” substitute “ the Commission ”. In subsection (3), for “one of the Commissions” substitute “ the Commission ”. Omit subsection (3A). In subsection (7), omit the words from “and, in the event” to the end. In subsection (8), omit the words from “; and where the” to “similar way in Wales”. In subsection (10)— In subsection (11)— In subsection (12)— In subsection (12A), for “Each of the Commissions” substitute “ The Commission ”. In subsection (12B), in paragraph (a) omit the words “in England or, as the case may be, authorities in Wales”. In subsection (13), for “the Commissions” substitute “ the Commission ”.
“relevant tribunal” means a tribunal (including a tribunal consisting of only one person) specified by order made by the Assembly;
In Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (offices disqualifying for membership)—
in Part 2, omit “The Commission for Local Administration in Wales.”;
in Part 3—
omit “Health Service Commissioner for Wales.”;
at the appropriate place insert “ Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. ”;
omit “Welsh Administration Ombudsman.”.
In section 182 of the Finance Act 1989 (disclosure of information)—
in subsection (4)(a), for sub-paragraph (iv) substitute—;
in subsection (6), for “the Welsh Administration Ombudsman” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
in subsection (11)(c), omit “, the Health Service Commissioner for Wales”.
The Health Service Commissioners Act 1993 is amended as follows.
In the heading before section 1, for “Commissioners” substitute “ Commissioner ”.
For the heading to section 1, substitute “ The Commissioner ”.
Section 1 is amended as follows. In subsection (1), omit paragraph (b). In subsection (2)— In subsection (3), omit the words from “for England” to the end.
Section 2 (the bodies subject to investigation) is amended as follows. In subsection (1), for “the Health Service Commissioner for England” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. Omit subsection (2). For subsection (6) substitute—.
Section 2A (health service providers subject to investigation) is amended as follows. In subsection (1), for “the Health Service Commissioner for England” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. Omit subsection (2). In subsection (4), for “subsection (1) or (2)” substitute “ subsection (1) ”.
Section 2B (independent providers subject to investigation) is amended as follows. In subsection (1), for “the Health Service Commissioner for England” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. Omit subsections (2) and (2A). In subsection (4), for “subsection (1)(a) or (2)(a)” substitute “ subsection (1)(a) ”. In subsection (5), for “subsection (1) or (2)” substitute “ subsection (1) ”.
In the heading to section 3, for “Commissioners” substitute “ Commissioner ”.
Section 3 is amended as follows. In subsections (1), (1A), (1C), (1E), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. Omit subsection (1YA).
Section 4 (availability of other remedy) is amended as follows. In subsections (1) and (2), for “A Commissioner” substitute “ The Commissioner ”. In subsection (5), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”.
In section 6 (general health services and service committees) in subsections (3) and (5)—
for “A Commissioner” substitute “ The Commissioner ”;
omit “or Health Authority”.
Section 7 (personnel, contracts etc.) is amended as follows. In subsection (1)— In subsection (2), for “A Commissioner” substitute “ The Commissioner ”. In subsection (3), for “the Health Service Commissioners for England and for Wales” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In subsection (3A), for “A Commissioner” substitute “ The Commissioner ”. In subsections (3B) and (4), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”.
Section 9 (requirements to be complied with) is amended as follows. In subsection (1), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In subsection (4A), for “section 2A(1) or (2)” substitute “ section 2A(1) ”. In subsection (4B), for “section 2B(1) or (2)” substitute “ section 2B(1) ”.
Section 10 (referral of complaint by health service body) is amended as follows. In subsections (1), (4) and (5), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. Omit subsection (2A).
Section 11 (procedure in respect of investigations) is amended as follows. In subsections (1), (1A), (1B), and (1C), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In subsection (4)—
In section 12 (evidence) in subsections (1), (1A) and (2), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”.
In section 13 (obstruction and contempt), in subsection (1), for “A Commissioner” substitute “ The Commissioner ”.
For the heading to section 14 substitute “ Reports by the Commissioner ”.
Section 14 is amended as follows. In subsections (1), (2), (2A), (2B), (2C), (2D), (2E), (2F), (3) and (5), for “the Health Service Commissioner for England” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In subsection (4), for “The Health Service Commissioner for England” substitute “ The Commissioner ”.
Omit sections 14A to 14C (reports by the Welsh Commissioner).
Section 15 (confidentiality of information) is amended as follows. In subsection (1), for each occurrence of “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In subsections (1A), (1C) and (2), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In subsection (3)—
In section 16 (information prejudicial to the safety of the State) in subsections (1) and (2), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”.
Section 17 (use of information by Commissioner in other capacity) is amended as follows. In subsection (1)— Omit subsection (3).
Section 18 (consultation during investigations) is amended as follows. In subsection (1)— In subsection (2)—
In section 18A (disclosure of information to Information Commissioner) in subsection (1) for “The Health Service Commissioner for England or the Health Service Commissioner for Wales” substitute “ The Health Service Commissioner ”.
Section 19 (interpretation) is amended as follows. Omit the definitions of “financial year” and “first financial year of the Assembly”. In the definition of “officer” omit “and, in the case of the Health Service Commissioner for Wales, any member of his staff”.
Schedule 1 is amended as follows. Omit paragraph A1. In the heading before paragraph 1, for “Commissioners” substitute “ Commissioner ”. In paragraph 1(1) and (2), for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In paragraph 3— In paragraph 3A— In paragraphs 4, 5 and 7, for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”. In paragraph 11(1), for “A Commissioner” substitute “ The Commissioner ”. In paragraph 12— In paragraph 13— In paragraph 14, for “a Commissioner” substitute “ the Commissioner ”.
Omit Schedule 1A (the Welsh Commissioner).
a Special Health Authority not discharging functions only or mainly in England.
In section 21(1) of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (consultation and co-operation with other commissioners and ombudsmen)—
in paragraph (b), for “either of the Health Service Commissioners” substitute “ the Health Service Commissioner ”;
for paragraph (c) substitute—.
Section 23A (annual reports for representatives etc.) is amended as follows. In subsection (1)— In subsection (2), for “each Commission” substitute “ the Commission ”. In subsection (3), for “Each Commission” substitute “ The Commission ”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Omit subsection (6).
“care home provider” has the meaning given by section 34R(3);
The Assembly must — as may be provided for by or under the terms of his appointment. The Assembly must pay to or in respect of a person who has ceased to hold office as the Ombudsman or an acting Ombudsman— as may have been provided for by or under the terms of his appointment. If a person ceases to be the Ombudsman or an acting Ombudsman and it appears to the Assembly that there are special circumstances which make it right that the person should receive compensation, the Assembly may pay to that person a sum of such amount as it thinks appropriate. Public Services Ombudsman for Wales Acting Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The Assembly must pay to the Minister for the Civil Service, at such times as he may direct, such sums as he may determine in respect of any increase attributable to sub-paragraph (4) in the sums payable out of money provided by Parliament under the Superannuation Act 1972 (c. 11). Sums required for the making of payments under sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (5) are to be charged on the Welsh Consolidated Fund.
The Ombudsman may obtain advice from any person who, in his opinion, is qualified to give it, to assist him in the discharge of his functions. The Ombudsman may pay to any person from whom he obtains advice under sub-paragraph (1) such fees or allowances as he may determine.
For each financial year other than the first financial year, the Ombudsman must prepare an estimate of the income and expenses of his office. The Ombudsman must submit the estimate at least five months before the beginning of the financial year to which it relates to the committee or committees of the Assembly specified in the standing orders of the Assembly. The committee or committees must examine an estimate submitted . . . in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) and must then lay the estimate before the Assembly with any modifications thought appropriate. Before laying before the Assembly with modifications an estimate submitted in accordance with sub-paragraph (2), the committee or committees must— The first financial year is the financial year during which the first person to be appointed as the Ombudsman is appointed.
The Ombudsman is the accounting officer for the office of the Ombudsman. If the Ombudsman is incapable of discharging his responsibilities as accounting officer, the Audit Committee may designate a member of his staff to be the accounting officer for as long as he is so incapable. If the office of the Ombudsman is vacant and there is no acting Ombudsman, the Audit Committee may designate a member of the Ombudsman's staff to be the accounting officer for as long as the office of the Ombudsman is vacant and there is no acting Ombudsman. The accounting officer has, in relation to the accounts and the finances of the Ombudsman, the responsibilities which are from time to time specified by the Audit Committee. In this paragraph references to responsibilities include in particular— The responsibilities which may be specified under this paragraph include responsibilities owed to— If requested to do so by the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts, the Audit Committee may—
The Ombudsman may do anything (including acquire or dispose of any property or rights) which is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to, the discharge of any of his functions.
In section 123 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (unauthorised disclosure of information relating to particular persons) in subsection (8)—
omit paragraphs (f), (hb) and (hd);
before paragraph (i) insert—.
in paragraph (k), for “(hb)” substitute “ (ha) ”.
The Housing Act 1996 is amended as follows.
The Government of Wales Act 1998 is amended as follows.
The Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 is amended as follows.
In section 51(7) (schemes for investigation of housing complaints), for “section 51C” substitute “ section 41 of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 ”.
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in paragraph (c), omit “or the office of Welsh Administration Ombudsman”;
after paragraph (c) insert—.
In section 113 (complaints about health care) in subsection (4)—
in paragraph (a), at the beginning insert “ in the case of regulations under subsection (1), ”;
after paragraph (a) insert—.
Omit sections 51A to 51C and Schedule 2A (the Social Housing Ombudsman for Wales).
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In section 114 (complaints about social services) in subsection (5)—
in paragraph (a), omit “who is a member of the Commission for Local Administration in England”;
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Omit section 111 (Welsh Administration Ombudsman).
In section 144 (accounts, audit and reports), in subsection (8)(a)—
for “the Welsh Administration Ombudsman” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
omit “the Health Service Commissioner for Wales,”.
In section 146 (transfer etc. of functions from Comptroller and Auditor General), in subsection (2)(b)—
for “the Welsh Administration Ombudsman” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
omit “the Health Service Commissioner for Wales,”.
In section 156 (defined expressions), omit the entry for the Welsh Administration Ombudsman.
Omit Schedule 9 (Welsh Administration Ombudsman).
In section 25(1) (authorities subject to investigation)—
in paragraph (ab), at the end insert “ for a National Park in England ”;
in paragraph (bd), at the end insert “ for an urban development area in England ”;
in paragraph (be), at the end insert “ for a designated area in England ”;
in paragraph (bg), after “fire and rescue authority” insert “ in England ”;
in paragraph (ca), after “Police Act 1996” insert “ for a police area in England ”;
in paragraph (d), at the end insert “ for an area wholly or partly in England ”.
Section 26 (matters subject to investigation) is amended as follows. In subsection (6)(b), omit “or the National Assembly for Wales”. After subsection (6) insert—
Section 29 (investigations: further provisions) is amended as follows. In subsection (3), omit “or the National Assembly for Wales”. in subsection (5)—
Section 32 (law of defamation and disclosure of information) is amended as follows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In subsection (5)—
Omit section 32A (use of information by Local Commissioner in other capacity).
Section 33 (consultation between Local Commissioner and other commissioners and ombudsmen) is amended as follows. In subsection (1)— In subsection (2)— In subsection (5)—
Section 34(1) (interpretation of Part 3) is amended as follows. “the Commission” means the Commission for Local Administration in England, In the definition of “local authority”—
For the title to Schedule 4, substitute “ The Commission ”.
Schedule 4 is amended as follows. in paragraph 1(3) (disqualifications), omit the words “or in the office of Social Housing Ombudsman for Wales”. In paragraph 2(2), omit the words from “and, if the Commissioner for Local Administration in Wales” to the end. In paragraph 3— In paragraph 4— In the heading before paragraph 5, for “the Commissions” substitute “ the Commission ”. In paragraph 5— In the heading before paragraph 6, for “the Commissions” substitute “ the Commission ”. In paragraph 6, in sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (3), omit “for Local Administration in England”. Omit paragraph 6A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In paragraph 8, omit “for Local Administration in England”. Omit paragraph 8A.
Schedule 6 (which contains amendments consequential on this Act) has effect.
Schedule 7 (which contains repeals) has effect.
The preceding provisions of this Act come into force in accordance with provision made by the Welsh Ministers by order.
In this Act—
For the purposes of the definition of “independent provider in Wales”, arrangements with the Welsh Ministers are arrangements with a Welsh health service body only to the extent that they are made in the discharge of a function of the Welsh Ministers relating to the National Health Service.
The Welsh Ministers may by order amend the definitions of “family health service provider in Wales”, “independent provider in Wales” and “social landlord in Wales”.
Before making an order under subsection (3), the Welsh Ministers must consult such persons as they think appropriate.
Section 13 of the National Audit Act 1983 (c. 44) (interpretation of references to the Committee of Public Accounts) applies for the purposes of this Act as it applies for the purposes of that Act.
For the purposes of this Act, references to action taken by a listed authority include action taken by—
a member, co-opted member, committee or sub-committee of the authority acting in the discharge of functions of the authority;
an officer or member of staff of the authority, whether acting in the discharge of his own functions or the functions of the authority;
any other person acting on behalf of the authority.
A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (1) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Assembly.
No order is to be made under subsection (3) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.
The Welsh Ministers may by regulations provide for this Act to apply with the modifications specified in the regulations to persons who are—
former family health service providers in Wales;
former independent providers in Wales;
former social landlords in Wales.
former care home providers in Wales;
former domiciliary care providers in Wales;
former independent palliative care providers in Wales.
“Former family health service provider in Wales” means a person who—
at the relevant time, provided family health services of a particular description, and
subsequently ceased to provide services of that description (whether or not he has later started to provide them again).
“Former independent provider in Wales” means a person who—
at the relevant time, provided services of a particular description in Wales under arrangements with a Welsh health service body or a family health service provider in Wales,
was not a Welsh health service body or a family health service provider in Wales at that time, and
subsequently ceased to provide services of that description (whether or not he has later started to provide them again).
“Former social landlord in Wales” means a person who—
at the relevant time—
was registered as a social landlord in the register maintained by the Welsh Ministers under section 1 of the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52) (or in the register previously maintained under that section by the Secretary of State or Housing for Wales), or
was registered with Housing for Wales, the Secretary of State , the Assembly constituted by the Government of Wales Act 1998 or the Welsh Ministers and owned or managed publicly-funded dwellings, and
subsequently—
ceased to be registered as mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) (whether or not he later became so registered again), or
ceased to own or manage publicly-funded dwellings (whether or not he later did so again).
“The relevant time” is the time of action which is the subject of a complaint under this Act.
“Former care home provider in Wales” means a person who—
at the relevant time, provided accommodation, nursing or care of a particular description at a care home in Wales (see section 32R), and
subsequently ceased to do so (whether or not the person has later started to do so again).
“Former domiciliary care provider in Wales” means a person who—
at the relevant time, provided domiciliary care services of a particular description in Wales, and
subsequently ceased to do so (whether or not the person has later started to provide those services again).
“Former independent palliative care provider in Wales” means a person who—
at the relevant time, provided a palliative care service of a particular description in Wales, and
subsequently ceased to do so (whether or not the person has later started to do so again).
No regulations are to be made under this section unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing them has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.
The Welsh Ministers may by order make— as they think necessary or expedient for the purposes of, in consequence of, or for giving full effect to, any provision of this Act.
such consequential, incidental or supplemental provision, and
such transitory, transitional or saving provision,
An order under subsection (1) may in particular amend, repeal or revoke any enactment other than one contained in an Act passed in a Session after that in which this Act is passed.
The amendments that may be made by virtue of subsection (2) are in addition to those made by or under any other provision of this Act.
No order is to be made under subsection (1) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.
A power of the Welsh Ministers to make an order or regulations under this Act is exercisable by statutory instrument.
An order or regulations made by the Welsh Ministers under this Act may—
make different provision for different purposes;
make consequential, incidental, supplemental, transitory, transitional or saving provision.
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A direction given under this Act—
may be amended or revoked by the person who gave it;
may make different provision for different purposes.
Subject to subsection (2), this Act extends to England and Wales only.
An amendment or repeal made by this Act has the same extent as the provision amended or repealed.
This Act may be cited as the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005.
This Part applies to the following matters—
action taken by a care home provider in connection with the provision of accommodation, nursing or personal care in a care home in Wales;
action taken by a domiciliary care provider in connection with the provision of domiciliary care in Wales;
action taken by an independent palliative care provider in connection with the provision of a palliative care service in Wales.
But this Part does not apply to—
matters which may be investigated under Part 2, or
matters described in Schedule 3A.
The Welsh Ministers may by order amend Schedule 3A by—
adding an entry,
removing an entry, or
changing an entry.
Before making an order under subsection (3), the Welsh Ministers must consult the Ombudsman.
No order is to be made under subsection (3) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.
For the meaning of the following terms see sections 34R to 34T— “care home”; “care home provider”; “domiciliary care”; “domiciliary care provider”; “palliative care service”; “independent palliative care provider”.
The Ombudsman may investigate a complaint about a matter to which this Part applies if—
the complaint has been duly made or referred to the Ombudsman, and
in the case of a complaint which relates to an independent palliative care provider, the condition in subsection (2) is met.
The condition is that the independent palliative care provider has received public funding, within the three years before the date of the action to which the complaint relates, in respect of a palliative care service that it provides in Wales.
In subsection (2) “public funding” means funding from—
the Welsh Ministers,
a Local Health Board established under section 11 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006,
an NHS Trust, or
a county council or county borough council in Wales.
A complaint is “duly made” to the Ombudsman if (but only if)—
it is made by a person who is entitled under section 34D to make a complaint to the Ombudsman,
before the complaint is made—
the matter to which it relates has been brought, by or on behalf of the person affected, to the notice of the provider to whom it relates, and
the provider has been given a reasonable opportunity to investigate the matter and to respond, and
the requirements of section 34E are met in respect of it.
A complaint is “duly referred” to the Ombudsman if (but only if)—
it is made by a person who is entitled under section 34D to make a complaint to the Ombudsman, and
the requirements of section 34F are met in respect of it.
It is for the Ombudsman to determine whether the requirements of subsection (1) have been met in respect of a complaint.
Where the Ombudsman determines that the requirements of subsection (1) have not been met in respect of a complaint because the requirements of subsection (4)(b), section 34E or section 34F(1)(a)(ii) or (b)(ii) have not been met in respect of that complaint, the Ombudsman may nonetheless investigate the complaint if—
it relates to a matter to which this Part applies, and
the Ombudsman thinks it reasonable to do so.
It is for the Ombudsman to decide whether to begin, continue or discontinue an investigation.
The Ombudsman may take any action which he or she thinks may assist in making a decision under subsection (8).
The Ombudsman may begin or continue an investigation into a complaint even if the complaint has been withdrawn.
The Ombudsman may take any action he or she considers appropriate with a view to resolving a complaint which he or she has the power to investigate under section 34B.
The Ombudsman may take action under this section in addition to or instead of conducting an investigation into the complaint.
Any action under this section must be taken in private.
The persons entitled to make a complaint to the Ombudsman are—
a member of the public (referred to in this Part as “the person aggrieved”) who claims or claimed to have sustained injustice or hardship as a result of a matter to which this Part applies,
a person authorised in writing by the person aggrieved to act on that person's behalf, or
if the person aggrieved is not capable of authorising a person to act on his or her behalf (for example because the person has died), a person who appears to the Ombudsman to be appropriate to act on behalf of the person aggrieved.
“Member of the public” does not include a person acting in his or her capacity as—
a care home provider,
a domiciliary care provider,
an independent palliative care provider, or
a listed authority.
It is for the Ombudsman to determine any question of whether a person is entitled under this section to make a complaint.
The requirements mentioned in section 34B(4)(c) are that the complaint must be made—
in writing, and
before the end of the permitted period.
In subsection (1)(b) (and in section 34F(1)(a)(ii)) “the permitted period” means—
where the person aggrieved has notice of the matter before the date on which section 34B comes into force, the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which that section comes into force, and
in any other case, the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the person aggrieved first has notice of the matter.
It is for the Ombudsman to determine whether the requirements of subsection (1) are met in respect of a complaint.
The requirements mentioned in section 34B(5)(b) are that the complaint—
must have been made to the provider to whom it relates—
by a person who would have been entitled under section 34D to make the complaint to the Ombudsman, and
before the end of the permitted period (within the meaning given by section 34E(2)), and
must be referred to the Ombudsman—
in writing, and
before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the complaint was made to the provider.
If the Ombudsman decides under section 34B(8) not to begin an investigation into a complaint or to discontinue an investigation, the Ombudsman must prepare a statement of the reasons for that decision.
The Ombudsman must send a copy of the statement to—
the person who made the complaint, and
the provider to whom the complaint relates.
The Ombudsman may also send a copy of the statement to any other persons he or she thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may publish a statement under this section if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, he or she considers that it would be in the public interest to do so.
The Ombudsman may supply a copy of the published statement, or part of that statement, to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a statement, or part of a statement, under subsection (5).
The following information must not be included in a version of a statement sent to a person under subsection (2)(b) or (3) or published under subsection (4)—
the name of a person other than the provider to whom the complaint relates;
information which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is likely to identify such a person and which, in the Ombudsman's opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the statement.
Subsection (7) does not apply if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers that it would be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the statement.
If the Ombudsman decides under section 34B(8) to conduct an investigation into a complaint, he or she must—
give the provider to whom the complaint relates an opportunity to comment on the allegations contained in the complaint, and
give any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of an opportunity to comment on the allegations relating to that person.
An investigation must be conducted in private.
Subject to subsections (1) and (2), the procedure for conducting an investigation is that which the Ombudsman thinks appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
The Ombudsman may, among other things—
make any inquiries which he or she thinks appropriate, and
determine whether any person may be represented in the investigation by an authorised person or another person.
In subsection (4) “authorised person” means a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes the exercise of a right of audience or the conduct of litigation (within the meaning of that Act).
The Ombudsman may pay to the person who made the complaint and to any other person who attends or supplies information for the purposes of the investigation—
sums in respect of the expenses properly incurred by them, and
allowances to compensate for the loss of their time.
The Ombudsman may attach conditions to those payments.
This section applies for the purposes of an investigation under this Part.
The Ombudsman may require a person he or she thinks is able to supply information or produce a document relevant to the investigation to do so.
The Ombudsman has the same powers as the High Court in relation to—
the attendance and examination of witnesses (including the administration of oaths and affirmations and the examination of witnesses abroad), and
the production of documents.
The Ombudsman may require a person he or she thinks is able to supply information or produce a document relevant to the investigation to provide any facility the Ombudsman may reasonably require.
Subject to subsection (6), no person may be compelled to give any evidence or produce any document which the person could not be compelled to give or produce in civil proceedings before the High Court.
The Crown is not entitled to any privilege in relation to the production of documents or the giving of evidence that would otherwise be allowed by law in legal proceedings.
Where an obligation to maintain secrecy or other restriction on the disclosure of information obtained by or supplied to persons in Her Majesty's service has been imposed by an enactment or rule of law, the obligation or restriction does not to apply to the disclosure of information for the purposes of the investigation.
If the Ombudsman is satisfied that the condition in subsection (2) is met in relation to a person, he or she may issue a certificate to that effect to the High Court.
The condition is that the person—
without lawful excuse, has obstructed the discharge of any of the Ombudsman's functions under this Part, or
has done an act in relation to an investigation which, if the investigation were proceedings in the High Court, would constitute contempt of court.
If the Ombudsman issues a certificate, the High Court may inquire into the matter.
If the High Court is satisfied that the condition in subsection (2) is met in relation to the person, it may deal with that person in the same manner as it may deal with a person who has committed contempt in relation to the High Court.
This section applies to investigations under this Part unless section 34N applies.
The Ombudsman must, after conducting an investigation into a complaint about a matter to which this Part applies—
prepare a report on the findings of the investigation (“an investigation report”), and
send a copy of the report to the appropriate persons.
The appropriate persons are—
the person who made the complaint,
the provider to whom it relates,
any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of, and
the Welsh Ministers.
The Ombudsman may also send a copy of the report to any other persons he or she thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may publish the report if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, he or she considers that it would be in the public interest to do so.
The Ombudsman may supply a copy of the published report, or part of that report, to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a report, or part of a report, under subsection (6).
The following information must not be included in a version of a report sent to a person under subsection (3)(b) or (c) or (4) or published under subsection (5)—
the name of a person other than the provider to whom the complaint relates;
information which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is likely to identify such a person and which, in the Ombudsman's opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the report.
Subsection (8) does not apply if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers that it would be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the report.
The Ombudsman may arrange for a notice about an investigation report to be published—
in one or more newspapers, or
by means of broadcast or other electronic media.
The notice may, for example—
provide a summary of the Ombudsman's findings,
specify an address or addresses at which a copy of the published report can be inspected during ordinary office hours and from which a copy of that report (or part of that report) may be obtained, and
specify a website address at which a copy of the published report can be viewed.
The provider to whom the report relates must, if required to do so by the Ombudsman, reimburse the Ombudsman for the reasonable costs of arranging the publication of the notice.
In deciding whether it is appropriate to make arrangements under subsection (1), the Ombudsman must take into account—
the public interest,
the interests of the person aggrieved, and
the interests of any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate.
This section applies where the Ombudsman has concluded in an investigation report that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship as a result of the matter investigated.
The provider to whom the matter relates must consider the report and notify the Ombudsman before the end of the permitted period of—
the action the provider has taken or proposes to take in response to the report, and
the period before the end of which the provider proposes to take that action (if that action has not already been taken).
In subsection (2) “the permitted period”means—
the period of one month beginning on the date on which the authority receives the report, or
a longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing (if any).
This section applies if, after the Ombudsman has conducted an investigation under this Part—
the Ombudsman concludes that the person aggrieved has not sustained injustice or hardship as a result of the matter complained of, and
the Ombudsman is satisfied that the public interest does not require sections 34K to 34M to apply.
This section also applies if, after the Ombudsman has conducted an investigation under this Part—
the Ombudsman concludes that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship as a result of the matter complained of,
the provider to whom the complaint relates agrees to implement, before the end of the permitted period, any recommendations that the Ombudsman makes, and
the Ombudsman is satisfied that the public interest does not require sections 34K to 34M to apply.
In subsection (2)(b) “the permitted period”means—
a period agreed between the Ombudsman, the provider and the person who made the complaint, or
if the Ombudsman thinks that no such agreement can be reached, a period specified by him or her in writing.
The Ombudsman may decide to prepare a report on his or her findings under this section, rather than under section 34K; and if the Ombudsman decides to do so, sections 34K to 34M do not apply.
If a report is prepared under this section, the Ombudsman—
must send a copy of the report to the person who made the complaint and the provider to whom the complaint relates, and
may send a copy of the report to any other persons he or she thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may publish the report if, after taking account of the interests of the persons aggrieved and any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, he or she considers it to be in the public interest to do so.
The Ombudsman may supply a copy of a report published under subsection (6), or a part of that report, to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a report, or part of a report, under subsection (7).
The following information must not be included in a version of the report sent to a person under subsection (5) or published under subsection (6)—
the name of a person other than the provider to whom the complaint relates;
information which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is likely to identify such a person and which, in the Ombudsman's opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the report.
Subsection (9) does not apply if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers that it would be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the report.
The Ombudsman may prepare a special report under section 34P if case 1, 2 or 3 applies.
Case 1 applies if—
the Ombudsman has concluded in an investigation report that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship as a result of the matter investigated, and
one of the circumstances in subsection (3) applies.
The circumstances are that—
the Ombudsman has not received the notification required under section 34M before the end of the period permitted under that section;
the Ombudsman has received that notification but is not satisfied with—
the action which the provider has taken or proposes to take, or
the period before the end of which the provider proposes to have taken that action;
the Ombudsman has received that notification but is not satisfied that the provider has, before the end of the permitted period, taken the action that the provider proposed to take.
In subsection (3)(c) “the permitted period” means—
the period referred to in section 34M(2)(b), or
a longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing (if any).
Case 2 applies if—
the Ombudsman has prepared a report under section 34N by virtue of subsection (2) of that section, and
he or she is not satisfied that the provider has implemented the Ombudsman's recommendations before the end of the permitted period.
In subsection (5)(b) “the permitted period” means—
the period referred to in section 34N(2)(b), or
a longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing (if any).
Case 3 applies if—
a complaint in respect of a provider has been resolved under section 34C,
in resolving the complaint, the Ombudsman has concluded that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship as a result of the matter complained of,
the provider has agreed to take particular action before the end of a particular period, and
the Ombudsman is not satisfied that the provider has taken that action before the end of the permitted period.
In subsection (7)(d) “the permitted period” means—
the period referred to in subsection (7)(c), or
a longer period specified by the Ombudsman in writing (if any).
A special report must—
set out the facts which entitle the Ombudsman to prepare the special report (that is, the facts on the basis of which case 1, 2 or 3 of section 34O applies), and
make such recommendations as the Ombudsman thinks fit as to the action which, in his or her opinion, should be taken—
to remedy the injustice or hardship to the person aggrieved, and
to prevent similar injustice or hardship being caused in the future.
If the special report is prepared because case 1 of section 34O applies, the Ombudsman must send a copy of the report to each person to whom a copy of the section 34K report was sent under section 34K(2)(b).
If the special report is prepared because case 2 or 3 of section 34O applies, the Ombudsman must send a copy of the report to the person who made the complaint and the provider to whom the complaint relates.
The Ombudsman may send a copy of a special report to any other persons he or she thinks appropriate.
The Ombudsman may publish a special report.
The Ombudsman may supply a copy of a published special report, or a part of such a report, to any person who requests it.
The Ombudsman may charge a reasonable fee for supplying a copy of a special report, or part of such a report, under subsection (6).
The following information must not be included in a version of a special report sent to a person under subsection (2), (3) or (4) or published under subsection (5)—
the name of any person other than the provider in respect of whom the complaint was made;
information which, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is likely to identify any such person and which, in the Ombudsman's opinion, can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the special report.
Subsection (8) does not apply if, after taking account of the interests of the person aggrieved and any other persons the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers that it would be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the special report.
The Ombudsman may arrange for a notice about a special report to be published—
in one or more newspapers, or
by means of broadcast or other electronic media.
The notice may, for example—
provide a summary of the Ombudsman's findings,
specify an address or addresses at which a copy of the published report can be inspected during ordinary office hours and from which a copy of that report (or part of that report) may be obtained, and
specify a website address at which a copy of the published report can be viewed.
The provider to whom the report relates must, if required to do so by the Ombudsman, reimburse the Ombudsman for the reasonable costs of arranging the publication of the notice.
In deciding whether to make arrangements under subsection (1), the Ombudsman must take into account—
the public interest,
the interests of the person aggrieved, and
the interests of any other person the Ombudsman thinks appropriate.
This section applies for the purposes of this Act.
“Care home” means premises at which a care home service, within the meaning of Part 1 of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, is provided wholly or mainly to persons aged 18 or over;
“Care home provider” means a person who is a service provider of a care home service within the meaning of Part 1 of that Act where the service is provided wholly or mainly to persons aged 18 or over .
Action is to be treated as action taken by a care home provider if it is taken by—
a person employed by that provider,
a person acting on behalf of that provider, or
a person to whom that provider has delegated any functions.
Action is also to be treated as action taken by a care home provider if—
that provider provides, by means of an arrangement with another person, accommodation, nursing or care in a care home in Wales for an individual because of the individual's vulnerability or need, and
the action is taken by or on behalf of the other person in carrying out the arrangement.
“Care” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
This section applies for the purposes of this Act.
“Domiciliary care” means personal care provided in their own homes for persons who by reason of illness, infirmity or disability are unable to provide it for themselves without assistance.
“Domiciliary care provider” means a person who carries on an activity which involves the provision of domiciliary care, but it does not include an individual who—
carries on the activity otherwise than in partnership with others,
is not employed by a body corporate or unincorporated association to carry it on,
does not employ any other person to carry out the activity, and
provides or arranges the provision of domiciliary care to fewer than four persons.
Action is to be treated as action taken by a domiciliary care provider if it is taken by—
a person employed by that provider,
a person acting on behalf of that provider, or
a person to whom that provider has delegated any functions.
Action is also to be treated as action taken by a domiciliary care provider if—
that provider provides domiciliary care by means of an arrangement with another person, and
the action is taken by or on behalf of the other person in carrying out the arrangement.
This section applies for the purposes of this Act.
“Palliative care service” means a service the main purpose of which is to provide palliative care.
“Independent palliative care provider” means a person who—
provides a palliative care service, and
is not a Welsh health service body.
Action is to be treated as action taken by an independent palliative care provider if it is taken by—
a person employed by that provider,
a person acting on behalf of that provider, or
a person to whom that provider has delegated any functions.
Action is also to be treated as action taken by an independent palliative care provider if—
that provider provides palliative care by means of an arrangement with another person, and
the action is taken by or on behalf of the other person in carrying out the arrangement.
Section 1
a person who, at the time of action which is the subject of a complaint under this Act, provided services under a contract entered into by that person with a Local Health Board under section 42 or section 57 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006;
The Ombudsman is to be appointed by Her Majesty on the nomination of the Assembly.
A person is disqualified from being the Ombudsman or an acting Ombudsman if any of the following applies— For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(g) a person is an officer of a provider if he or she has control or management of a provider which is not an individual or the affairs of such a provider. The appointment of a person as the Ombudsman or an acting Ombudsman is not valid if the person is disqualified under sub-paragraph (1). If a person who has been appointed as the Ombudsman or an acting Ombudsman becomes disqualified under sub-paragraph (1), he ceases to hold office on becoming so disqualified. But the validity of anything done by a person appointed as the Ombudsman or an acting Ombudsman is not affected by the fact that he is or becomes disqualified under sub-paragraph (1).
The Ombudsman may appoint such staff as he thinks necessary for assisting him in the discharge of his functions, on such terms and conditions as he may determine. No member of staff of the Ombudsman is to be regarded as holding office under Her Majesty or as discharging any functions on behalf of the Crown. But each member of his staff is to be treated as being a Crown servant for the purposes of the Official Secrets Act 1989 (c. 6). Employment as a member of the staff of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The Ombudsman must pay to the Minister for the Civil Service, at such times as the Minister may direct, such sum as the Minister may determine in respect of any increase attributable to sub-paragraph (4) in the sums payable out of money provided by Parliament under the Superannuation Act 1972.
The Ombudsman— A report prepared under this paragraph may include any general recommendations which the Ombudsman may have arising from the discharge of his functions. The Ombudsman must lay a copy of each report prepared under this paragraph before the Assembly and at the same time send a copy to the Welsh Assembly Government and(if the report is an extraordinary report) must send a copy of it to any listed authorities (other than the Welsh Assembly Government) he thinks appropriate. The Ombudsman may also send a copy of any report prepared under this paragraph to any other persons he thinks appropriate. The Ombudsman must, and the Assembly may, publish any report laid before the Assembly under this paragraph. The Ombudsman must comply with any directions given by the Assembly with respect to an annual report. If a report prepared under this paragraph— that information must not be included in a version of the report laid before the Assembly under sub-paragraph (3), sent to a person under sub-paragraph (3) or (4) or published by the Ombudsman under sub-paragraph (5), subject to sub-paragraph (8). Sub-paragraph (7) does not apply in relation to a version of the report if, after taking account of the interests of any persons he thinks appropriate, the Ombudsman considers it to be in the public interest to include that information in that version of the report.
The accounts prepared by the Ombudsman for a financial year must be submitted by him to the Auditor General for Wales no later than 30 November in the following financial year. The Auditor General for Wales must— In examining accounts submitted to him under this paragraph the Auditor General for Wales must, in particular, satisfy himself that the expenditure to which the accounts relate has been incurred lawfully and in accordance with the authority which governs it.
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A person who holds office as the Ombudsman or an acting Ombudsman is disqualified from— A person is not disqualified under sub-paragraph (1) from being a member of the Assembly.
A person who has ceased to hold office as the Ombudsman or as an acting Ombudsman is disqualified for the relevant period from— The relevant period is the period of three years starting on the date on which the person ceased to hold office as the Ombudsman or (as the case may be) as an acting Ombudsman. But sub-paragraph (1) does not disqualify a person from—
The references in paragraphs 6 and 7 to a paid office include an office the holder of which is entitled only to the reimbursement of expenses.
“independent provider in Wales” means a person who, at the time of action which is the subject of a complaint under this Act—
The Ombudsman is a corporation sole. The Ombudsman holds office under Her Majesty and discharges his functions on behalf of the Crown. The Ombudsman is a Crown servant for the purposes of the Official Secrets Act 1989 (c. 6). But service as the Ombudsman is not service in the civil service of the Crown.
In section 79(1) of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 (interpretation of Part 2), in the definition of “office-holder”—
for “the Welsh Administration Ombudsman” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
omit “or for Wales”.
In section 31 of the Data Protection Act 1998 (regulatory activity), in subsection (4)(a)—
in sub-paragraph (ii), omit “or, the Commission for Local Administration in Wales”;
in sub-paragraph (iii), omit “or, the Health Service Commissioner for Wales”;
for sub-paragraph (iv) substitute—.
the Health Service Commissioner for Wales;
“the Ombudsman” has the meaning given in section 1;
A person's term of office as the Ombudsman is seven years (subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) and paragraph 5). A person appointed as the Ombudsman is not eligible for re-appointment. Her Majesty may relieve a person of office as the Ombudsman— Her Majesty may remove a person from office as the Ombudsman on the making of a recommendation, on the ground of the person's misbehaviour, that Her Majesty should do so. A recommendation for the removal of a person from office as the Ombudsman may not be made unless—
In this Schedule—
any other body which at the time of action which is the subject of a complaint under this Act was registered with Housing for Wales, the Secretary of State , the Assembly constituted by the Government of Wales Act 1998 or the Welsh Ministers and owned or managed publicly-funded dwellings;
the Health Service Commissioner for Wales;
“the relevant existing Welsh ombudsman”—
the Commission for Local Administration in Wales;
a body which was at the time of action which is the subject of a complaint under this Act registered as a social landlord in the register maintained by the Welsh Ministers under section 1 of the Housing Act 1996 (or in the register previously maintained under that section by the Assembly constituted by the Government of Wales Act 1998, the Secretary of State or Housing for Wales);
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is amended as follows.
In section 76(1) (disclosure of information between Information Commission and ombudsmen), in the table—
omit the entries relating to the Health Service Commissioner for Wales and the Social Housing Ombudsman for Wales;
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales Part 2 of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005
In Schedule 1 (public authorities), in Part 6—
omit “The Commission for Local Administration in Wales”, “The Health Service Commissioner for Wales” and “The Welsh Administration Ombudsman”;
at the appropriate place, insert “ The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
If the office of the Ombudsman becomes vacant, Her Majesty may, on the nomination of the Assembly, appoint a person to act as the Ombudsman. A person appointed to act as the Ombudsman (“an acting Ombudsman”) may have held office as the Ombudsman. A person appointed as an acting Ombudsman is eligible for appointment as the Ombudsman (unless he has already held office as the Ombudsman). The power to appoint a person as an acting Ombudsman is not exercisable after the end of the period of two years starting with the date on which the vacancy arose. An acting Ombudsman holds office in accordance with the terms of his appointment, subject to sub-paragraph (7) (and paragraph 2, as applied by sub-paragraph (8)). An acting Ombudsman must not hold office after— While an acting Ombudsman holds office he is to be regarded (except for the purposes of paragraphs 1, 3, 5 to 9 and this paragraph) as the Ombudsman.
The expenses of the Ombudsman, so far as they cannot be met out of income received by him, are to be met by the Assembly. The expenses that fall within sub-paragraph (1) include any sums payable by the Ombudsman in consequence of a breach, in the course of the discharge of any of his functions, of any contractual or other duty. Sub-paragraph (2) applies whether that breach occurs by reason of action of the Ombudsman or a member of his staff or other person acting on his behalf or assisting him in the discharge of any of his functions.
Any function of the Ombudsman may be discharged on his behalf— Sub-paragraph (1) does not affect the responsibility of the Ombudsman for the discharge of any such function. A person authorised by the Ombudsman under sub-paragraph (1) is to be treated as being a Crown servant for the purposes of the Official Secrets Act 1989 (c. 6). No arrangements may be made between the Ombudsman, on the one hand, and the Welsh Ministers (or the First Minister for Wales or the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government), on the other, for— Sub-paragraph (4) applies despite any provision that would otherwise permit such arrangements to be made.
The Ombudsman must— The directions which the Treasury may give under sub-paragraph (1)(b) include directions to prepare accounts relating to financial affairs and transactions of persons other than the Ombudsman. The directions which the Treasury may give under sub-paragraph (1)(b) include, in particular, directions as to—
The Auditor General for Wales may carry out examinations into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which the Ombudsman has used his resources in discharging his functions. Sub-paragraph (1) is not to be construed as entitling the Auditor General for Wales to question the merits of the policy objectives of the Ombudsman. In determining how to discharge his functions under this paragraph, the Auditor General for Wales must take into account the views of the Audit Committee as to the examinations which he should carry out. The Auditor General for Wales may lay before the Assembly a report of the results of any examination carried out by him under this paragraph.
On the commencement date each relevant employee transfers to and becomes a member of the staff of the Ombudsman.
The contract of employment of a relevant employee transferred under paragraph 2—
is not terminated by the transfer;
has effect on and after the commencement date as if originally made between the employee and the Ombudsman.
Accordingly—
all rights, powers, duties and liabilities of the relevant existing authority under or in connection with the contract of employment are transferred to the Ombudsman on the commencement date;
anything done before that date by or in relation to the relevant existing authority in respect of that contract or the relevant employee is to be treated on and after that date as having been done by or in relation to the Ombudsman.
But if a relevant employee informs the relevant existing authority or the Ombudsman before the commencement date that he objects to the transfer—
paragraphs 2 to 4 do not apply; and
the contract of employment is terminated immediately before the commencement date but the relevant employee is not to be treated, for any purpose, as having been dismissed by the relevant existing authority.
Paragraph 5 does not affect any right of a relevant employee to terminate his contract of employment if (apart from the change of employer) a substantial change is made to his detriment in his working conditions.
Any sums payable by the Ombudsman in consequence of a breach, in the performance of any of the Ombudsman's functions, of any contractual or other duty are to be charged on the Welsh Consolidated Fund. And sub-paragraph (1) applies whether the breach occurs by reason of an act or omission of— The Ombudsman may retain income derived from fees charged by virtue of sections 12(6), 16(6), 21(8) and 23(2) (rather than pay it into the Welsh Consolidated Fund) for use in connection with the exercise of the functions conferred or imposed by this Act.
Section 10
Action taken by or with the authority of the Welsh Ministers, the First Minister for Wales, the Counsel General to the Welsh Assembly Government or a police and crime commissioner for a police area in Wales for the purpose of—
the investigation or prevention of crime, or
the protection of the security of the State.
The commencement or conduct of proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Action taken by a member of the administrative staff of a relevant tribunal so far as taken at the direction, or on the authority (whether express or implied), of a person acting in his capacity as a member of the tribunal.
Action taken in respect of appointments, removals, pay, discipline, superannuation or other personnel matters (apart from procedures for recruitment and appointment) in relation to—
service in an office or employment under the Crown or under a listed authority;
service in an office or employment, or under a contract for services, in respect of which power to take action in personnel matters, or to determine or approve action to be taken in personnel matters, is vested in Her Majesty or a listed authority.
Action relating to the determination of the amount of rent.
Action taken by an authority specified in sub-paragraph (2) and relating to— in a school or other educational establishment maintained by a local authority in Wales. The authorities are—
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Action under— where the action is or has been the subject of an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 .
the National Health Service Act 1977,
Part 1 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990,
Part 1 of the Health Act 1999 (with the exception of sections 33 to 38), or
Part 1 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003,
Action taken by a Local Health Board in the discharge of its functions under—
the National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) Regulations 1992 or any instrument replacing those regulations;
regulations made under section 38, 39, 41 or 42 of the National Health Service Act 1977 by virtue of section 17 of the Health and Medicines Act 1988 (c. 49) (investigations of matters relating to services).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the action is taken by the body or the provider, and
a complaint in respect of the action is made by the provider or the body.
Section 28 Government of Wales The Welsh Assembly Government. The National Assembly for Wales Commission. Taxation Welsh Revenue Authority Local government, fire and police A local authority in Wales. A joint board the constituent authorities of which are all local authorities in Wales. A fire and rescue authority in Wales constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21) or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies. A police and crime commissioner for a police area in Wales. A strategic planning panel. Environment The Committee on Climate Change. A National Park authority for a National Park in Wales. The Natural Resources Body for Wales . The Environment Agency. The Forestry Commissioners. The Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee. An internal drainage board for an internal drainage district wholly or partly in Wales. Health and social care Social Care Wales The Board of Community Health Councils in Wales A Local Health Board. An NHS trust managing a hospital or other establishment or facility in Wales. A Special Health Authority not discharging functions only or mainly in England. The Wales Centre for Health. A Community Health Council. An independent provider in Wales. A family health service provider in Wales. A person with functions conferred by regulations made under section 113(2) of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43). Housing A social landlord in Wales. Education and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales or Prif Arolygydd Ei Mawrhydi dros Addysg a Hyfforddiant yng Nghymru. The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. An admission appeal panel constituted in accordance with regulations under section 94(5) or 95(3) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (c. 31). The governing body of any community, foundation or voluntary school so far as acting in connection with the admission of pupils to the school or otherwise discharging any of their functions under Chapter 1 of Part 3 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. An exclusion appeal panel constituted in accordance with regulations under section 52 of the Education Act 2002 (c. 32). Qualifications Wales. Arts and leisure The Arts Council of Wales. The Sports Council for Wales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous The Building Regulations Advisory Committee for Wales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comisiynydd y Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Commissioner). The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales.
Section 35
The Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) is amended as follows.
In section 49 (principles governing conduct of members of relevant authorities)—
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
in subsection (5)(c), for “the Commission for Local Administration in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 51 (duty of relevant authorities to adopt codes of conduct) in subsection (6)(c)(ii), for “Commission for Local Administration in Wales” substitute “ Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 53 (standards committees), in subsection (11)(k), for “the Commission for Local Administration in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
in paragraph (b), omit “or the Commission for Local Administration in Wales”;
in paragraph (c), for “or the Health Service Commissioner for Wales, or by their officers” substitute “or by his officers”;
at the end insert, or.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
after subsection (1) insert—;
in subsection (2), for “that Act” substitute “the Local Government Act 1974”;
after subsection (2) insert—;
in subsection (3), for “subsection (1) or (2)” substitute “any of subsections (1) to (2A)”;
in subsection (4), after “Local Government Act 1974” insert “, section 26 of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005”.
For the italic heading immediately preceding section 68 substitute “ Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
For the heading to section 68 substitute “ Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 68—
in subsection (1), for “A Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
in subsection (2), for “The Commission for Local Administration in Wales” substitute “ The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
for subsection (3) substitute—;
in subsection (4), omit “Part 3 of”;
omit subsection (5).
For the heading to section 69 substitute “ Investigations by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 69—
in subsection (1), for “A Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
in subsection (2), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
in subsection (5), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales who reaches a finding under subsection (4)(c)” substitute “ if the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales reaches a finding under subsection (4)(c) he ”.
In section 70 (investigations: further provisions)—
in subsection (2), for paragraph (b) substitute—;
in subsection (3), for “A Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
in subsections (4) and (5), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 71 (reports etc.)—
in subsections (1) to (3), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”;
in subsection (4)(b), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales who reaches a finding under section 69(4)(c)” substitute “ if the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales reaches a finding under section 69(4)(c) he ”;
in subsection (6), for “A Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 72 (interim reports), in subsections (1), (3) and (4), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 73 (matters referred to monitoring officers) in subsection (7), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 74 (law of defamation), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 78 (decisions of interim case tribunals) in subsection (5), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 79 (decisions of case tribunals) in subsection (12)(a)(ii), for “the Commission for Local Administration in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In section 81 (disclosure and registration of members' interests etc.) in subsection (7)—
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
at the end insert—.
In section 82 (code of conduct for local government employees) in subsections ... (6)(c), for “the Commission for Local Administration in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 83 (interpretation of Part 3) in subsection (1)—
omit the definition of “Local Commissioner in Wales”;
in the definition of “the relevant Adjudication Panel” in paragraph (b), for “a Local Commissioner in Wales” substitute “ the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
Section 37
a dwelling which was provided by means of a grant under— section 18 of the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52) (social housing grant), or section 50 of the Housing Act 1988 (c. 50), section 41 of the Housing Associations Act 1985 (c. 69), or section 29 or 29A of the Housing Act 1974 (c. 44) (housing association grant);
On the commencement date all property, rights and liabilities to which each existing authority was entitled or subject immediately before that date transfer to and vest in the Ombudsman.
The reference in paragraph 7 to rights and liabilities does not include any rights and liabilities under a contract of employment transferred to the Ombudsman under paragraph 2.
Paragraph 7 has effect in relation to any property, rights and liabilities to which it applies despite any provision (of whatever nature) which would otherwise prevent, penalise or restrict their transfer.
Anything (including legal proceedings) which is in the process of being done by or in relation to an existing authority immediately before the commencement date and which relates to— may, on and after the commencement date, be continued by or in relation to the Ombudsman.
any function of that existing authority, or
any property, rights or liabilities of that existing authority transferred to the Ombudsman under paragraph 7,
Anything done by an existing authority for the purpose of, or in connection with— and which is in effect immediately before the commencement date is to have effect on and after the commencement date as if done by the Ombudsman.
any function of that existing authority, or
any property, rights or liabilities of that existing authority transferred to the Ombudsman under paragraph 7,
On and after the commencement date, the Ombudsman is to be substituted for each existing authority in any instruments, contracts or legal proceedings which relate to— and which are made or commenced before the commencement date.
any function of that existing authority, or
any property, rights or liabilities of that existing authority transferred to the Ombudsman under paragraph 7,
Section 39
“the commencement date” means the date on which this Schedule comes into force;
The Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 is amended as follows.
In section 3 (administrative provisions) in subsection (2), for “of the Welsh Administration Ombudsman or of the Health Service Commissioner for Wales” substitute “ of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales ”.
In section 4 (departments etc. subject to investigation) in subsection (3A), for “by the Welsh Administration Ombudsman under Schedule 9 to the Government of Wales Act 1998” substitute “ by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales under the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 ”.
In section 11 (provision for secrecy of information) in subsection (2A)—
for “holds office as Welsh Administration Ombudsman or a Health Service Commissioner” substitute “ holds office as the Health Service Commissioner for England ”;
for “in his capacity as Welsh Administration Ombudsman or a Health Service Commissioner” substitute “ in his capacity as the Health Service Commissioner for England ”.
Section 11A is amended as follows. In subsection (1)— In subsection (2), for the words from “Welsh Administration Ombudsman” to “Health Service Commissioner” substitute “ Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman or the Health Service Commissioner for England ”.
In Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972 (kinds of employment etc. referred to in section 1)—
omit “Health Service Commissioner for Wales”;
omit “The Local Commissioner for Wales”;
omit “Welsh Administration Ombudsman”.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 is amended as follows.
Section 5 (designation and reports of monitoring officer) is amended as follows. In subsection (2), after paragraph (b) insert; or . After subsection (2A) insert—
Section 5A (reports of monitoring officer: local authorities operating executive arrangements) is amended as follows. In subsection (3), after paragraph (b) insert; or . After subsection (4) insert—
Section 39 Short title and chapter Extent of repeal Superannuation Act 1972 (c. 11) In Schedule 1, the words “Health Service Commissioner for Wales”, “The Local Commissioner for Wales” and “Welsh Administration Ombudsman”. Local Government Act 1974 (c. 7) In section 23— in subsection (1), paragraph (b) and the word “and” immediately preceding it; subsection (3A); in subsection (7), the words from “and, in the event” to the end; in subsection (8), the words from “; and where the” to “similar way in Wales”; in subsection (10)(a), the words from “including” to “that other Commission”; in subsection (11), the words “to the appropriate Commission”; in subsection (12), the words “or the National Assembly for Wales”; in subsection (12B), the words “in England or, as the case may be, authorities in Wales”. In section 23A— in subsection (1)(a), the words “in England or, as the case may be, authorities in Wales”; subsection (6). In section 26(6)(b), the words “or the National Assembly for Wales”. In section 29— in subsection (3), the words “or the National Assembly for Wales”; subsection (5)(aa). In section 32(5), the words “or the National Assembly for Wales”, “or a member of the Assembly's staff“ and “or the Assembly”. Section 32A. In section 33(1)— paragraphs (aa) and (aza); in paragraph (b), the words “or the Health Service Commissioner for Wales”; the words “under the Housing Act 1996, under the Government of Wales Act 1998,”. In section 33(5), the words “in paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 2A to the Housing Act 1996”. In section 34(1), in the definition of “local authority”, the words “a Welsh county council, a county borough council”. In Schedule 4— in paragraph 1(3), the words “or in the office of Social Housing Ombudsman for Wales”; in paragraph 2(2), the words from “and, if the Commissioner for Local Administration in Wales” to the end; paragraph 4(4); in paragraph 6, in sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (3), the words “for Local Administration in England”; paragraph 6A; in paragraph 8, the words “for Local Administration in England”; paragraph 8A. House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (c. 24) In Schedule 1— in Part 2, the words “The Commission for Local Administration in Wales.”; in Part 3, the words “Health Service Commissioner for Wales.” and “Welsh Administration Ombudsman.”. Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) In section 134(3)(c), the words “, the Health Service Commissioner for Wales”. Finance Act 1989 (c. 26) In section 182(11)(c), the words “, the Health Service Commissioner for Wales”. Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5) In section 123(8), paragraphs (f), (hb) and (hd). Health Service Commissioners Act 1993 (c. 46) In section 1— subsection (1)(b); in subsection (3), the words from “for England” to the end. Section 2(2). Section 2A(2). Section 2B(2) and (2A). Section 3(1YA). In section 6, in subsections (3) and (5), the words “or Health Authority”. In section 7(1), the words “or service as a member of the staff of the Assembly”. Section 10(2A). In section 11(4), the words from “and payments made by the Health Service Commissioner for Wales” to the end. Sections 14A to14C. In section 15(3), the words “or paragraph 6(6) of Schedule 1A”. In section 17(1), the words from “any of the other offices” to “Welsh Administration Ombudsman or”. Section 17(3). In section 18(1)— paragraph (a); paragraph (e) and the word “or” immediately preceding it. In section 19— the definitions of “financial year” and “first financial year of the Assembly”; in the definition of “officer”, the words “and, in the case of the Health Service Commissioner for Wales, any member of his staff”. In Schedule 1, paragraph A1. Schedule 1A. Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 (c. 40) In section 79(1) in the definition of “office-holder”, the words “or for Wales”. Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (c. 19) In Schedule 16, paragraph 108. Health Authorities Act 1995 (c. 17) In Schedule 1, paragraph 126(2)(b) and (3). Housing Act 1996 (c. 52) Sections 51A to 51C. Schedule 2A. Data Protection Act 1998 (c. 29) In section 31(4)(a)— in sub-paragraph (ii), the words “or, the Commission for Local Administration in Wales”; in sub-paragraph (iii), the words “or, the Health Service Commissioner for Wales”. Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38) In section 12(1)(c), the words “or the office of Welsh Administration Ombudsman”. Section 111. In section 144(8)(a), the words “the Health Service Commissioner for Wales,”. In section 146(2)(b), the words “the Health Service Commissioner for Wales,”. In section 156, the entry for the Welsh Administration Ombudsman. Schedule 9. In Schedule 10— paragraph 3(2); paragraphs 4 to 6; paragraph 8; paragraph 9(b); paragraphs 11 and 12; paragraph 15(3) and (4); paragraph 16(3); paragraph 17. In Schedule 12— paragraph 12(4); paragraph 15(2) and (3); paragraph 16; paragraph 32(b). Health Act 1999 (c. 8) In Schedule 4, paragraph 85(2)(b). Care Standards Act 2000 (c. 14) In Schedule 1, paragraph 27(c). Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (c. 20) In Schedule 1— paragraph 19; paragraph 23(d) and the word “and” immediately preceding it. Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) In section 62(7)(b), the words “or the Commission for Local Administration in Wales”. In section 68— in subsection (4), the words “Part 3 of”; subsection (5). In section 83(1), the definition of “Local Commissioner in Wales”. Health Service Commissioners (Amendment) Act 2000 (c. 28) In section 1, subsections (2)(b) and (3)(c) and (d). Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36) In section 76(1) in the table, the entries relating to the Health Service Commissioner for Wales and the Social Housing Ombudsman for Wales. In Schedule 1 in Part 6, the words “The Commission for Local Administration in Wales”, “The Health Service Commissioner for Wales” and “The Welsh Administration Ombudsman”. In Schedule 7, paragraphs 7 and 8. National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17) In Schedule 5, paragraph 38. Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26) In Schedule 7, paragraph 5(3) and (5). Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43) In section 114(5)(a), the words “who is a member of the Commission for Local Administration in England”. In Schedule 11, paragraphs 61(b) and 62(3). Housing Act 2004 (c. 34) Section 228(2) to (4) and Schedule 12. In Schedule 15, paragraphs 1, 7, 37, 45 and 46.
This section applies if, in making a decision under section 2(5) or 34B(8) or conducting an investigation under Part 2 or 2A, the Ombudsman forms the opinion that a matter which is the subject of the complaint or investigation could be the subject of an investigation by an ombudsman mentioned in subsection (7).
The Ombudsman must consult that ombudsman about the matter.
The Ombudsman may co-operate with that ombudsman in relation to the matter.
Consultation under subsection (2), and co-operation under subsection (3), may extend to anything relating to a matter which is the subject of the complaint or investigation, including (among other things)—
the conduct of an investigation into the complaint, and
the form, content and publication of a report of the investigation.
If the Ombudsman consults an ombudsman about a matter under subsection (2), the Ombudsman and that ombudsman may—
conduct a joint investigation into the matter,
prepare a joint report in relation to the investigation, and
publish the joint report.
Subsection (5) does not apply if the ombudsman consulted under subsection (2) is the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
The ombudsmen referred to in subsection (1) are—
the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration;
the Health Service Commissioner for England;
a Local Commissioner;
the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman;
a housing ombudsman appointed in accordance with a scheme approved under section 51 of the Housing Act 1996;
the Children's Commissioner for Wales.
The Welsh Ministers may by order amend subsection (7) by—
adding a person,
omitting a person, or
changing the description of a person.
An order under subsection (8) may add a person to subsection (7) only if the person appears to the Welsh Ministers to have functions relating to the investigation of complaints.
No order is to be made under subsection (8) unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.
This section applies where it appears to the Ombudsman that—
there is a complaint in respect of a matter which he or she is entitled to investigate, and
the matter is one which could also be the subject of an examination by the Commissioner for Older People in Wales or the Welsh Language Commissioner.
Where the Ombudsman considers it appropriate, he or she must (as respects the Commissioner for Older People in Wales) or may (as respects the Welsh Language Commissioner)—
inform the Commissioner about the matter, and
consult him or her in relation to it.
Where the Ombudsman consults a Commissioner under this section, the Ombudsman and the Commissioner may—
co-operate with each other in relation to the matter,
conduct a joint investigation into the matter, and
prepare and publish a joint report in relation to the investigation.
This section applies where it appears to the Ombudsman that a complaint relates to or raises a matter which could be the subject of an examination by the Commissioner for Older People in Wales or the Welsh Language Commissioner (“the connected matter”).
Where the Ombudsman considers it appropriate, he or she must (as respects the Commissioner for Older People in Wales) or may (as respects the Welsh Language Commissioner) inform the Commissioner about the connected matter.
Where the Ombudsman considers that the complaint also relates to or raises a matter into which he or she is entitled to conduct an investigation (“the Ombudsman matter”), the Ombudsman must (as respects the Commissioner for Older People in Wales) or may (as respects the Welsh Language Commissioner) also if he or she considers it appropriate—
inform the Commissioner about the Ombudsman's proposals for conducting an investigation into the complaint, and
consult the Commissioner about those proposals.
Where the Ombudsman and the Commissioner consider that they are entitled to investigate, respectively, the Ombudsman matter and the connected matter, they may—
co-operate with each other in the separate investigation of each of those matters,
act together in the investigation of those matters, and
prepare and publish a joint report containing their respective conclusions in relation to the matters they have each investigated.
Where the Ombudsman considers— the Ombudsman must (as respects the Commissioner for Older People in Wales) or may (as respects the Welsh Language Commissioner) inform the person who initiated the complaint about how to secure the referral of the connected matter to the Commissioner.
that the complaint does not relate to or raise a matter into which he or she is entitled to conduct an investigation, and
that it is appropriate to do so,
The information to which this section applies is—
information obtained by the Ombudsman, a member of the Ombudsman's staff or another person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf or assisting the Ombudsman in the discharge of his or her functions—
in deciding whether to begin an investigation,
in the course of an investigation, or
in resolving a complaint under section 3 or 34C;
information obtained from an ombudsman mentioned in section 34U(7) by virtue of any provision of section 34U or a corresponding provision in an enactment relating to any of those ombudsmen;
information obtained from the Commissioner for Older People in Wales by virtue of section 34V or 34W of this Act or section 16 or 17 of the Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Act 2006 (working with other ombudsmen);
information obtained from the Welsh Language Commissioner by virtue of section 34V or 34W of this Act or section 22 of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (power to disclose information);
information obtained from the Information Commissioner by virtue of section 76 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (disclosure between Information Commissioner and ombudsmen).
The information must not be disclosed except—
for the purposes of deciding whether to begin an investigation;
for the purposes of an investigation;
for the purposes of resolving a complaint under section 3 or 34C;
for the purposes of a statement or report made in relation to a complaint or investigation;
for the purposes of any provision of section 34U, 34V or 34W;
for the purposes of proceedings for—
an offence under the Official Secrets Act 1911 to 1989 alleged to have been committed by the Ombudsman, a member of the Ombudsman's staff or other person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf or assisting the Ombudsman in the discharge of any of his of her functions;
an offence of perjury alleged to have been committed in the course of an investigation;
for the purposes of an inquiry with a view to the taking of proceedings mentioned in paragraph (f);
for the purpose of proceedings under section 15 or 34J;
in the case of information to the effect that a person is likely to constitute a threat to the health or safety of one or more persons, to any person to whom the Ombudsman thinks it should be disclosed in the public interest;
in the case of information to which subsection (3) applies, to the Information Commissioner.
This subsection applies to information if it appears to the Ombudsman to relate to—
a matter in respect of which the Information Commissioner could exercise a power conferred by an enactment mentioned in subsection (4), or
the commission of an offence mentioned in subsection (5).
The enactments are—
sections 142 to 154, 160 to 164 or 174 to 176 of, or Schedule 15 to, the Data Protection Act 2018 (certain provisions relating to enforcement);
section 48 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (practice recommendations);
Part 4 of that Act.
The offences are those under—
a provision of the Data Protection Act 2018 other than paragraph 15 of Schedule 15 (obstruction of execution of warrant etc);
section 77 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (offence of altering etc records with intent to prevent disclosure).
No person may be called upon to give evidence in any proceedings (other than proceedings mentioned in subsection (2)) of information obtained by that person as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b).
A Minister of the Crown may give notice to the Ombudsman with respect to— that, in the opinion of the Minister, the disclosure of that document or information, or of documents or information of that class, would be prejudicial to the safety of the State or otherwise contrary to the public interest.
any document or information specified in the notice, or
any class of document or information so specified,
If a notice is given under subsection (1), nothing in this Act is to be construed as authorising or requiring the Ombudsman, a member of the Ombudsman's staff or another person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf or assisting the Ombudsman in the discharge of his or her functions to disclose to any person or for any purpose any document or information, or class of document or information, specified in the notice.
For the purposes of the law of defamation, the following are absolutely privileged—
the publication of a matter, in the discharge of any of the Ombudsman's functions under this Act, by the Ombudsman, a member of the Ombudsman's staff or another person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf or assisting the Ombudsman in the discharge of any of his or her functions;
the publication of a matter by a person in the discharge of functions under section 17;
the publication of a matter in connection with a complaint made or referred to the Ombudsman under this Act, in communications between—
a listed authority, a member or co-opted member of a listed authority, an officer or member of the staff of a listed authority or another person acting on behalf of a listed authority or assisting it in the discharge of any of its functions, and
the Ombudsman, a member of the Ombudsman's staff or another person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf or assisting the Ombudsman in the discharge of any of his or her functions;
the publication of a matter in connection with a complaint made or referred to the Ombudsman under this Act, in communications between—
a care home provider, domiciliary care provider or independent palliative care provider, an officer or member of staff of such a provider or another person acting on behalf of such a provider or assisting it in the discharge of any of its functions, and
the Ombudsman, a member of the Ombudsman's staff or another person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf or assisting the Ombudsman in the discharge of any of his or her functions;
the publication of a matter in connection with a complaint made or referred (or to be made or referred) by or on behalf of a person to the Ombudsman under this Act, in communications between a person and an Assembly member;
the publication of a matter in connection with a complaint made or referred (or to be made or referred) by or on behalf of a person to the Ombudsman under this Act, in communications between—
the person, and
the Ombudsman, a member of the Ombudsman's staff or another person acting on the Ombudsman's behalf or assisting the Ombudsman in the discharge of any of his or her functions.
For the purposes of subsection (1)(d)(i) a person is an officer of a provider if he or she has control or management of a provider which is not an individual or the affairs of such a provider.
The commencement or conduct of proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Action taken in respect of appointments or removals, pay, discipline, superannuation or other personnel matters.