This paper sets out the Ombudsman’s views on the Department of Health’s policy proposals to enact a statutory Duty of Candour in Northern Ireland.

Our recent investigation made 33 recommendations to improve how the Department for Communities (the Department) administer Personal Independence Payment. 

Since 1969 my Office has been dealing with complaints about public services.  Over that time we have dealt with around 40,000 complaints and we have worked with public bodies to support them to handle complaints well.

We launched a public consultation on our proposals for new complaints handling standards for public bodies in Northern Ireland on 10 June 2021.  The consultation period was due to run for a 12 week period and end on 2 September 2021.

Former councillor Ian Stevenson (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council) has been disqualified from being a councillor until 30 April 2025 following an Adjudication Hearing held on 28 June.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly, today recommended significant changes in how further evidence is used in assessing and awarding entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit for some of the most vulnerable in society.

Please note we are unable to answer telephone calls today because of a staff training event.  Please contact us via our online complaints form or email us at nipso@nipso.org.uk.  We will return to our normal telephone service tomorrow.

Councillor Colin Kennedy (Ards and North Down Borough Council) has been suspended for a period of 6 weeks at an Adjudication Hearing held on 11 June 2021.

Former councillor Brian Duffin (Antrim and Newtownabbey Council) has been disqualified for a period of 5 years at an Adjudication Hearing held on 9 June 2021.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly, has today called for a culture change in the way public bodies in Northern Ireland deal with complaints from members of the public.