Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress the Government has made on its plans to introduce a Public Service Ombudsman; and whether the Independent Housing Ombudsman will be included within it.

The government published the draft Public Service Ombudsman Bill in December 2016, setting out in detail its plans to introduce a new Public Service Ombudsman. The draft Bill will be progressed as and when a legislative opportunity arises.

The Housing Ombudsman Service is not included in the draft Bill, but the Bill as drafted would give Ministers the power to include that organisation at a later date, through secondary legislation. No decisions have been taken on the potential future inclusion of the Housing Ombudsman Service.