Feb. 23 2024
Source Page: I. Powers in relation to UK-related Domain Name Registries: Government policy response to consultation. 21p. II. Powers in relation to UK-related Domain Name Registries: summary of responses to consultation. 18p.Found: the prescribed dispute resolution procedure (DRP).
Written Evidence Mar. 05 2024
Inquiry: Work of the County CourtFound: We will address the needs of business dispute resolution and the desirability of an independent triaging
Asked by: Jonathan Edwards (Independent - Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the enforcement powers of the Energy Ombudsman.
Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
Ofgem, the independent regulator, is responsible for compliance and enforcement of license conditions.
As an Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme, the Energy Ombudsman does not have the enforcement powers of Ofgem does. The Energy Ombudsman can however tell suppliers to take practical action, make an apology, offer financial awards up to £10,000, and make recommendations to prevent an issue from happening again. Energy suppliers are legally bound to implement decisions made by the Ombudsman.
Written Evidence Apr. 16 2024
Committee: Transport Committee (Department: Department for Transport)Found: (RRB0017) CTSI is submitting this response in support of the Rail Ombudsman who provide a free Alternative
Asked by: Drew Hendry (Scottish National Party - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the powers of the Energy Ombudsman to implement its rulings in (a) full and (b) a timely manner.
Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
The Energy Ombudsman is an independent, not for profit company appointed by Ofgem as the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body for the energy sector under the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015. As the Competent Authority, it is the responsibility of Ofgem to carry out an assessment of the Energy Ombudsman’s performance. Ofgem does this every two years to ensure the company meets the approval criteria as an ADR body. A copy of the most recent assessment for the period of 2019-2021 is available on Ofgem’s website at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/biennial-assessment-ombudsman-services-under-adr-regulations-2019-2021.
Asked by: Mark Menzies (Independent - Fylde)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will have discussions with energy companies on improving (a) communication with (i) businesses and (ii) households about disruption as a result of energy projects and (b) access to compensation for losses related to such projects.
Answered by Justin Tomlinson - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government engages regularly with energy companies and is committed to delivering the energy infrastructure needed for net zero and energy security, while ensuring that individuals are fairly compensated and brought into the process.
To install infrastructure, network operators often need access to private land and appropriate compensation, covering both the value of land and any losses, must be paid to the landowner. The Government recognises that where compensation cannot be agreed, then challenging this via the Upper Tribunal can be expensive for landowners. Government has established a Taskforce to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, to help un-block these disputes.
Written Evidence May. 16 2024
Inquiry: Improving the home buying and selling processFound: Resolution Scheme operated by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR Ltd).
Asked by: Kim Leadbeater (Labour - Batley and Spen)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment she has made of the (a) efficiency and (b) effectiveness of the (i) Energy Ombudsman and (ii) Ombudsman's complaint resolution processes; and what steps she is taking to help ensure consumers writing to the ombudsman receive comprehensive and helpful feedback and advice.
Answered by Amanda Solloway - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
Ofgem is responsible for certifying Alternative Dispute Resolution entities and appointing the Energy Ombudsman (EO). The EO is important for ensuring good consumer outcomes and trust by investigating disputes between suppliers and consumers.
Every two years Ofgem assesses the performance of the EO to ensure they still meet the approval criteria. The latest completed assessment, covering 2019-2021 is available on Ofgem’s website.
Ministers meet regularly with the EO to understand trends in consumer complaints and ensure a high-quality service.
Written Evidence Apr. 16 2024
Committee: Transport Committee (Department: Department for Transport)Found: Resolution Scheme”.
Found: dispute resolution) is amended as follows. (1) (2) In the heading, for “cross border or domestic