THIS popular weekly column by welfare rights expert Jim Strang this week looks at how to complain to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the commissioner for administration. This article also gives a brief guide on who can make a complaint and how.

Ombudsman Michael Buckley's job is to look at complaints by members of the public who have suffered an injustice through maladministration by a government department or who have been refused access to official information. He is independent of government or the civil service, and has wide powers to investigate. The ombudsman service is free and the investigations are confidential.

WHO CAN HE DEAL WITH?

Only central government departments can be complained against to him. This includes the DSS and this avenue is not used as often as it may be. The Parliamentary Ombudsman cannot investigate the police, judges and local authorities, but there are other bodies which can investigate complaints against them.

HOW TO COMPLAIN

Before making a complaint to the Ombudsman you should first complain to the department including any details of compensation you want. If you still are unhappy you must then refer your complaint to your MP. There is a complaint form that you should complete and give this to the MP concerned. Clearly completing the form by itself will not be enough. Supporting evidence will be needed to substantiate your complaint. If the Ombudsman decides that your complaint should be investigated, he may need to interview you at a later date.

There is a helpline for the Ombudsman on 0450-154-033.

CONTACTING JIM

IF YOU need to know more about this or any other welfare rights matters, you can write to Jim Strang at Unit 7, 36 Beechwood Drive, Beechwood Estate, Birkenhead, enclosing an S.A.E.

If you wish him to act for you, call him on 606-1188, 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, or visit him at the above address. His mobile 'phone number is 07930-104679. It is not necessary to make an appointment to see Jim, but ring first just to make sure he's in.

Jim Strang represents clients on a 'no win, no fee' basis. Details are available from him.

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