Ombudsmen

• An ombudsmen is an official who is appointed to check on government activity on behalf of an individual citizen and to investigate complaints that are made
• They operate within the private sector
• What areas do ombudsmen investigate?

  Health service, local government, legal services and housing
• Advantages

  • The problem may be solved
  • Can lead to recommended changes made to government agencies or public bodies
• Disadvantages

  • Their powers are constrained because they cannot deal with matter that could be dealt with by the courts
  • Complaints must be made through an elected representative, so this can be a barrier to citizens wishing to scrutinise government actions