Ombudsman Plans Come Under Attack

Plans to require tenants to secure the backing of a local politician before taking complaints to the housing ombudsman have come under fire. During the first evidence session of the Localism Bill committee, Richard Capie, director of policy and practice at the Chartered Institute of Housing, argued tenants’ right to complain directly to the ombudsman should be protected. As the bill currently stands the legislation would make tenants get support from a local MP or councillor before going to the ombudsman. He said that it was ‘disappointing’ that local councillors were being asked to take on this additional role when they might not have the relevant expertise.
Read more on Inside Housing.