The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman has informed the Department for Communities that she is proposing, under new powers, to launch an investigation into the way the Department administers Personal Independence Payments (PIPs). The welfare benefit replaced Disability Living Allowance in June 2016.

The Public Services Ombudsman has upheld a complaint from a member of the public who complained about the way the Housing Executive handled her request for a grant to buy a property.

The Local Government Commissioner for Standards, Marie Anderson, has today issued her Annual Report for 2017-18.

The Ombudsman has partially upheld a man’s complaint about the actions of the Victims and Survivors Service.

The Local Government Commissioner for Standards, Marie Anderson, has imposed a 3 month suspension on Councillor George Duddy (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council) following an Adjudication Hearing held yesterday (13 December).

The Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards has imposed a 3-month partial suspension on Alderman Jim Rodgers (Belfast City Council) following an Adjudication Hearing held in Belfast yesterday (5 December 2018).

A report released today has revealed that enquiries to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman increased by 37% in the last year. Out of the 4,987 calls and enquiries received by the Office in 2017-18 (compared to 3,385 the previous year), a total of 665 were forwarded for further investigation (up 23% from 2016-17).

Investigation concludes that further observations should have been carried out and discharge delayed until patient was well enough to tolerate fluids and food.

Investigation finds NIHE acted appropriately in dealing with request to evict tenant.

Our latest Quarterly Bulletin contains a link to our new animated video and a selection of our latest investigation reports.