Thursday, November 28, 2019 - 11:25

The GSD has given notice that it is to propose a motion to debate the Public Services Ombudsman’s report for 2018 at the next meeting of Parliament. This follows public comments by the Ombudsman that some of his recommendations are not being acted upon.

The GSD shadow Minster for Public Finance, Roy Clinton said: 

“The Public Services Ombudsman has an important role to play in addressing complaints about the delivery of our public services and it is important that he is seen to have the support of both Government and Parliament in undertaking his role. Public Finance is not just concerned with the spending of money but also the achievement of outcomes and quality of services that are to be delivered. 

"The public needs to see that they have the ability to have valid complaints about the delivery of public services addressed fairly and any shortcomings rectified quickly. Twenty years after the establishment of the Office it is important to review his powers to see what improvements can be made to the system. In that context if the Ombudsman feels his recommendations are not being acted upon then Parliament needs to take this up as a matter of some seriousness and consider how improvements could be made.

"We have also noted that the Ombudsman would like to have his powers expanded to include 'Own Motion Investigations' in the absence of a formal public complaint, and we will be proposing a resolution to that effect to amend the legislation.”

PRIVATE MEMBERS’ MOTION: STATEMENT FROM PARLIAMENT

The Hon Roy M Clinton has given notice on 27th November 2019 that he proposes to move the following motion at the next meeting of Parliament:

“THIS HOUSE:

NOTES the Public Services Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2018 and the recommendations contained therein especially in respect of the Housing Authority and the Civil Status and Registration Office.

THIS HOUSE FURTHER NOTES:

1. that it has been 20 years since the office of the Public Services Ombudsman was created in order for the public to complain about any act of maladministration by Government Departments or Public Service Providers,

2. that the Office of the Ombudsman enjoys the full support of Parliament,

3. that twenty years on the powers of the Office of the Ombudsman and the duty of Government Departments or Public Service Providers to take account of recommendations should be reviewed to see what improvements could be made to the current system.

CALLS upon the Government to ensure that all the recommendations of the Ombudsman are acted upon in a timely manner, or if not that a proper explanation is given by heads of department on a case by case basis.

RESOLVES that the Public Services Ombudsman Act 1998 be amended so as to allow for Own Motion Investigations as requested by the Ombudsman in 2016.”

28-11-2019 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR