A9.30 The Ombudsmen and Ministers

1. If a complainant makes representations simultaneously to an Ombudsman and the Minister, the Ombudsman normally ceases enquiries; however, the complainant is entitled to make a new approach to an Ombudsman after the Minister has made a decision.
2. Ombudsmen may investigate decisions made by Ministers under the Official Information Act 1982. The complaint is handled by the Complaints Unit at National Office which prepares draft responses for the Minister to sign.
3. Ombudsmen do not have the authority to investigate other decisions made by Ministers, but may investigate complaints relating to advice or recommendations made to Ministers by officials that lead to Ministers making decisions.

Effective 26/07/1999