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- Original (As enacted)
Health Service Commissioners Act 1993 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 01 September 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.
Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):
Textual Amendments
F1Word in cross-heading substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 28 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
(1)For the purpose of conducting investigations in accordance with this Act, there shall continue to be—
(a)a Health Service Commissioner for England [F3and]
F4(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F5(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)References in this Act to [F6the Commissioner] (or Health Service Commissioner) are, unless the context otherwise requires, to [F7the Health Service Commissioner for England].
(3)Schedule 1 has effect with respect to the appointment and remuneration of, and other administrative matters relating to, the Health Service Commissioner F8....
Textual Amendments
F2S. 1 heading substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 29 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F3Word in s. 1(1) inserted (14.7.2004) by The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(2)(a)(i)
F4S. 1(1)(b) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 30(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F5Words in s. 1(1) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(2)(a)(ii)
F6Words in s. 1(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 30(3)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F7Words in s. 1(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 30(3)(b) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F8Words in s. 1(3) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 30(4), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
(1)The bodies subject to investigation by [F9the Commissioner] are—
F10(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c)Special Health Authorities to which this section applies [F11not exercising functions only or mainly in Wales],
(d)National Health Service trusts managing a hospital, or other establishment or facility, in England,
F12(da). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F13(db)NHS foundation trusts,]
[F16(dd)integrated care boards,]]
(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F17(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F18(g). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F19(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F20(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4)References in this Act to a “health service body” are to any of the bodies mentioned above.
(5)The Special Health Authorities to which this section applies are those—
(a)established on or before 1st April 1974, or
(b)established after that date and designated by Order in Council as ones to which this section applies.
[F21(6)A designation made for the purposes of subsection (5)(b) shall be made by Order in Council; and a statutory instrument containing an Order in Council made by virtue of this subsection shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]
Textual Amendments
F9Words in s. 2(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 31(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F10S. 2(1)(a) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 68(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F11Words in s. 2(1)(c) substituted (1.4.2004 for W., 1.4.2006 for E.) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 11 para. 61(a); S.I. 2004/480, art. 4(2)(aa) (with art. 6) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019 and S.I. 2006/345); S.I. 2005/2925, art. 10(2)(j)
F12S. 2(1)(da) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 68(b); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F13S. 2(1)(db) inserted (1.4.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 4 para. 94; S.I. 2004/759, art. 2
F14S. 2(1)(dc)(dd) inserted (1.10.2012) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 68(c); S.I. 2012/1831, art. 2(2)
F15Words in s. 2 substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 1 para. 1(1)(2); S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)
F16S. 2(1)(dd) substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 4 para. 39; S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30, 31)
F17S. 2(1)(f) repealed (27.10.2006) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 14 Pt. 4; S.I. 2006/2817, art. 2(b)
F18S. 2(1)(g) and preceding word repealed (1.4.2005) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 13 para. 7, Sch. 14 Pt. 7; S.I. 2005/457, art. 2(a)(b)
F19S. 2(2) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 31(3), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F20S. 2(3) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(3)
F21S. 2(6) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 31(4) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 2(1) applied (17.1.2013) by The Health Service Commissioner for England (Special Health Authorities) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/3072), arts. 1, 2
Textual Amendments
F22Ss. 2A, 2B and crossheading inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 1; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
(1)Persons are subject to investigation by [F24the Commissioner] [F25if they are [F26or were at the time of the action complained of]—
(a)persons (whether individuals or bodies) providing services under a contract entered into by them with [F27NHS England] under [F28section 84 [F29, 100 or 117] of the National Health Service Act 2006]
(b)persons (whether individuals or bodies) undertaking to provide in England F30... pharmaceutical services under F31... that Act; [F32or]
(c)individuals performing in England [F33primary] medical services or [F33primary] dental services in accordance with arrangements made under [F34section 92 or 107] of that Act (except as employees of, or otherwise on behalf of, a health service body or an independent provider)]
[F35or
individuals providing in England local pharmaceutical services in accordance with arrangements made under a pilot scheme established under [F36section 134 of the National Health Service Act 2006] (except as employees of, or otherwise on behalf of, a health service body or an independent provider).]
F37(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F38(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4)In this Act—
(a)references to a family health service provider are to any person mentioned in [F39subsection (1)];
(b)references to family health services are to any of the services so mentioned.]
Textual Amendments
F23S. 2A and sidenote inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 1; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F24Words in s. 2A(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 32(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F25S. 2A(1)(a)(b)(c) and words in s. 2A(1) substituted for words in s. 2A(1) (1.4.1998 with effect as mentioned in art. 3(3) of S.I. 1998/631) by 1997 c. 46, s. 41(10), Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 68(2); S.I. 1998/631, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. 2
F26Words in s. 2A(1) inserted (23.2.2001) by 2000 c. 28, ss. 1(1)(2)(a), 4(2) (with s. 3)
F27Words in s. 2A substituted (1.7.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(6), Sch. 1 para. 1(1)(2); S.I. 2022/734, reg. 2(a), Sch. (with regs. 13, 29, 30)
F28Words in s. 2A(1)(a) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 166(a) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)
F29Words in s. 2A(1)(a) substituted (1.8.2008) by Health Act 2006 (c. 28), s. 83(7), Sch. 8 para. 33(a); S.I. 2008/1972, art. 2(b)
F30Words in s. 2A(1)(b) repealed (1.8.2008) by Health Act 2006 (c. 28), s. 83(7), Sch. 8 para. 33(b), Sch. 9; S.I. 2008/1972, art. 2(b)
F31Words in s. 2A(1)(b) omitted (1.3.2007) by virtue of National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 166(b) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)
F32Word in s. 2A(1)(b) repealed (E.) (12.12.2002) by S.I. 2002/2861, art. 26(a)
F33Word in s. 2A(1)(c) substituted (1.4.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 11 para. 62(2)(b); S.I. 2004/288, art. 5(2)(w) (with art. 7) (as amended by S.I. 2004/866 and S.I. 2005/2925); S.I. 2004/480, art. 4(2)(aa) (with art. 6) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019 and S.I. 2006/345); S.I. 2004/288, art. 5(2)(w) (with art. 7) (as amended by S.I. 2004/866 and S.I. 2005/2925); S.I. 2004/480, art. 4(2)(aa) (with art. 6) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019 and S.I. 2006/345)
F34Words in s. 2A(1)(c) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 166(c) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)
F35S. 2A(1)(d) and the word preceding it inserted (E.) (12.12.2002) by S.I. 2002/2861, art. 26(b)
F36Words in s. 2A(1)(d) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 166(d) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)
F37S. 2A(2) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 32(3), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F38S. 2A(3) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(4)(a)
F39Words in s. 2A(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 32(4) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2S. 2A savings for effects of 2003 c. 43, Sch. 11 para. 62-68 (E.S.) (1.4.2004) by The General Medical Services and Personal Medical Services Transitional and Consequential Provisions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/865), arts. 1(1), 113 (with art. 1(3))
C3S. 2A applied (with modifications) (E.) (1.4.2006) by The National Health Service (Local Pharmaceutical Services etc.) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/552), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 11
C4S. 2A(1)(a)(2)(a) modified (E.) (1.4.2004) by The General Medical Services and Personal Medical Services Transitional and Consequential Provisions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/865), arts. 1(1), 109(2)(e)
(1)Persons are subject to investigation by [F40the Commissioner] if—
(a)they are [F41or were at the time of the action complained of] persons (whether individuals or bodies) providing services in England under arrangements with health service bodies or family health service providers, and
(b)they are not [F42or were not at the time of the action complained of] themselves health service bodies or family health service providers.
[F43(1A)Persons are subject to investigation by the Commissioner if—
(a)they are, or were at the time of the action complained of, providing direct payment services, and
(b)they are not, or were not at the time of the action complained of, health service bodies.]
F44(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F44(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F45(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4)The services provided under arrangements mentioned in [F46subsection (1)(a)] may be services of any kind.
(5)In this Act references to an independent provider are to any person providing services as mentioned in subsection (1) [F47or (1A)].
Textual Amendments
F40Words in s. 2B(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 33(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F41Words in s. 2B(1)(a) inserted (23.2.2001) by 2000 c. 28, ss. 1(1)(3)(a), 4(2) (with s. 3)
F42Words in s. 2B(1)(b) inserted (23.2.2001) by 2000 c. 28, ss. 1(1)(3)(b), 4(2) (with s. 3)
F43S. 2B(1A) inserted (19.1.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), ss. 12(2), 40(1); S.I. 2010/30, art. 2(b)
F44S. 2B(2)(2A) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 33(3), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F45S. 2B(3) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(5)(a)
F46Words in s. 2B(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 33(4) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F47Words in s. 2B(5) inserted (19.1.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), ss. 12(3), 40(1); S.I. 2010/30, art. 2(b)
(1)On a complaint duly made to [F49the Commissioner] by or on behalf of a person that he has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of—
(a)a failure in a service provided by a health service body,
(b)a failure of such a body to provide a service which it was a function of the body to provide, or
(c)maladministration connected with any other action taken by or on behalf of such a body,
the Commissioner may, subject to the provisions of this Act, investigate the alleged failure or other action.
F50(1YA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F51(1ZA)Any failure or maladministration mentioned in subsection (1) may arise from action of—
(a)the health service body,
(b)a person employed by that body,
(c)a person acting on behalf of that body, or
(d)a person to whom that body has delegated any functions.]
[F52(1A)Where a family health service provider has undertaken to provide any family health services and a complaint is duly made to [F53the Commissioner] by or on behalf of a person that he has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of—
(a)action taken by the family health service provider in connection with the services,
(b)action taken in connection with the services by a person employed by the family health service provider in respect of the services,
(c)action taken in connection with the services by a person acting on behalf of the family health service provider in respect of the services, or
(d)action taken in connection with the services by a person to whom the family health service provider has delegated any functions in respect of the services,
the Commissioner may, subject to the provisions of this Act, investigate the alleged action.
F54(1B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1C)Where an independent provider has made an arrangement with a health service body or a family health service provider to provide a service (of whatever kind) [F55, or has undertaken to provide direct payment services,] and a complaint is duly made to [F56the Commissioner] by or on behalf of a person that he has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of—
(a)a failure in the service provided by the independent provider,
(b)a failure of the independent provider to provide the service, or
(c)maladministration connected with any other action taken in relation to the service,
the Commissioner may, subject to the provisions of this Act, investigate the alleged failure or other action.
(1D)Any failure or maladministration mentioned in subsection (1C) may arise from action of—
(a)the independent provider,
(b)a person employed by the provider,
(c)a person acting on behalf of the provider, or
(d)a person to whom the provider has delegated any functions.]
[F57(1E)Where a complaint is duly made to [F58the Commissioner] by or on behalf of a person that the person has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of maladministration by any person or body in the exercise of any function under section 113 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (complaints about health care), the Commissioner may, subject to the provisions of this Act, investigate the alleged maladministration.]
(2)In determining whether to initiate, continue or discontinue an investigation under this Act, [F59the Commissioner ] shall act in accordance with his own discretion.
(3)Any question whether a complaint is duly made to [F60the Commissioner] shall be determined by him.
(4)Nothing in this Act authorises or requires [F61the Commissioner] to question the merits of a decision taken without maladministration by a health service body in the exercise of a discretion vested in that body.
[F62(5)Nothing in this Act authorises or requires [F63the Commissioner] to question the merits of a decision taken without maladministration by—
(a)a family health service provider,
(b)a person employed by a family health service provider,
(c)a person acting on behalf of a family health service provider, or
(d)a person to whom a family health service provider has delegated any functions.
(6)Nothing in this Act authorises or requires [F64the Commissioner] to question the merits of a decision taken without maladministration by—
(a)an independent provider,
(b)a person employed by an independent provider,
(c)a person acting on behalf of an independent provider, or
(d)a person to whom an independent provider has delegated any functions.]
[F65(7)Subsections (4) to (6) do not apply to the merits of a decision to the extent that it was taken in consequence of the exercise of clinical judgment.]
Textual Amendments
F48Word in s. 3 heading substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 34 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F49Words in s. 3(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F50S. 3(1YA) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(3), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F51S. 3(1ZA) inserted (1.4.1998 with effect as mentioned in art. 3(3) of S.I. 1998/631) by 1997 c. 46, s. 41(10), Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 68(5); S.I. 1998/631, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. 2
F52S. 3(1A)-(1D) inserted (1.4.1996 with effect as mentioned in art. 2(2) of S.I. 1996/970) by 1996 c. 5, s. 2(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)(2)
F53Words in s. 3(1A) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F54S. 3(1B) repealed (1.10.1999 for E. and S. and 1.4.2000 for W.) by 1999 c. 8, s. 65, Sch. 4 para. 85(3), Sch. 5; S.I. 1999/2540, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 1999/90, art. 2(b), Sch. 2; S.I. 2000/1041, art. 2(d), Sch.
F55Words in s. 3(1C) inserted (19.1.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), ss. 12(4), 40(1); S.I. 2010/30, art. 2(b)
F56Words in s. 3(1C) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F57S. 3(1E) inserted (1.6.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), ss. 118, 199(1)(4); S.I. 2004/759, art. 8
F58Words in s. 3(1E) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F59Words in s. 3(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F60Words in s. 3(3) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F61Words in s. 3(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F62S. 3(5)(6) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 2(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F63Words in s. 3(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F64Words in s. 3(6) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 35(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F65S. 3(7) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 6(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
(1)[F66The Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action in relation to which the person aggrieved has or had—
(a)a right of appeal, reference or review to or before a tribunal constituted by or under any enactment or by virtue of Her Majesty’s prerogative, or
(b)a remedy by way of proceedings in any court of law,
unless the Commissioner is satisfied that in the particular circumstances it is not reasonable to expect that person to resort or have resorted to it.
(2)[F66The Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action which has been, or is, the subject of an inquiry under section 84 of the M1National Health Service Act 1977 or section 76 of the M2National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (general powers to hold inquiries).
(3)A Commissioner shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action [F67by a health service body other than the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland if it is action] in relation to which the protective functions of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland have been, are being or may be exercised under the M3Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984.
[F68(4)Subsection (5) applies where—
(a)action by reference to which a complaint is made under section 3(1), (1A) or (1C) is action by reference to which a complaint can be made [F69under section 113(1) or (2) of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 or] under a procedure operated by a health service body, a family health service provider or an independent provider, and
(b)subsection (1), (2) or (3) does not apply as regards the action.
(5)In such a case [F70the Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in respect of the action unless he is satisfied that—
(a)the other procedure has been invoked and exhausted, or
(b)in the particular circumstances it is not reasonable to expect that procedure to be invoked or (as the case may be) exhausted.
(6)Section 1(2) of the M4Hospital Complaints Procedure Act 1985 (which provides that no right of appeal etc. conferred under section 1 of that Act is to preclude an investigation under this Act) shall have effect subject to subsection (5) above.]
Textual Amendments
F66Words in s. 4(1)(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 36(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F67Words in S. 4(3) inserted (1.4.1996 with application as mentioned in art. 2(2) of S.I. 1996/970) by 1996 c. 5, s. 4(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F68S. 4(4)-(6) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 5; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F69Words in s. 4(4)(a) inserted (1.6.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 9 para. 11(2); S.I. 2004/759, art. 7
F70Words in s. 4(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 36(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
Marginal Citations
Textual Amendments
F71S. 5 repealed (1.4.1996 with application as mentioned in art. 2(2) of S.I. 1996/970) by 1996 c. 5, ss. 6(1), 13, Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F72(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F72(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)[F73The Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action taken by a Primary Care Trust F74... in the exercise of its functions under the M5National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) Regulations 1992, or any instrument amending or replacing those regulations.
(4)A Commissioner shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action taken by a Health Board in the exercise of its functions under the M6National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) (Scotland) Regulations 1992, or any instrument amending or replacing those regulations.
[F75(5)[F73The Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action taken by a Primary Care Trust F74... in the exercise of its functions under regulations made under section F76... [F77126 or 129 of the National Health Service Act 2006] by virtue of section 17 of the M7Health and Medicines Act 1988 (investigations of matters relating to services).
(6)A Commissioner shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action taken by a Health Board in the exercise of its functions under regulations made under section 19, 25(2), 26(2) or 27(2) of the M8National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 by virtue of section 17 of the M9Health and Medicines Act 1988.]
Textual Amendments
F73Words in s. 6(3)(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 37(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F74Words in s. 6(3)(5) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 37(b), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F75S. 6(5)(6) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 7(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F76Words in s. 6(5) repealed (1.4.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 11 para. 63(a), Sch. 14 Pt. 4; S.I. 2004/288, arts. 5(2)(w), 6(2)(l) (with art. 7) (as amended by S.I. 2004/866 and S.I. 2005/2925); S.I. 2004/480, arts. 4(2)(aa), 5(2)(l) (with art. 6) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019 and S.I. 2006/345); S.I. 2004/288, arts. 5(2)(w), 6(2)(l) (with art. 7) (as amended by S.I. 2004/866 and S.I. 2005/2925); S.I. 2004/480, arts. 4(2)(aa), 5(2)(l) (with art. 6) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019 and S.I. 2006/345)
F77Words in s. 6(5) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 167 (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C5S. 6(5) savings for effects of 2003 c. 43, Sch. 11 para. 62-68 (E.S.) (1.4.2004) by The General Medical Services and Personal Medical Services Transitional and Consequential Provisions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/865), arts. 1(1), 113 (with art. 1(3))
Marginal Citations
(1)[F78The Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action taken in respect of appointments or removals, pay, discipline, superannuation or other personnel matters in relation to service under [F79the National Health Service Act 2006 or the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006] F80....
(2)[F81The Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action taken in matters relating to contractual or other commercial transactions, except for—
(a)matters relating to NHS contracts (as defined by [F82section 9 of the National Health Service Act 2006] F83...), F84...
[F85(aa)matters arising from arrangements for the provision of direct payment services,]
(b)matters arising from arrangements between a health service body and [F86an independent provider for the provision of services by the provider] [F87and
(c)matters arising from arrangements between a family health service provider and an independent provider for the provision of services by the independent provider.]
(3)In determining what matters arise from arrangements mentioned in subsection (2)(b) [F88the Commissioner] shall disregard any arrangements for the provision of services at an establishment maintained by a Minister of the Crown mainly for patients who are members of the armed forces of the Crown.
[F89(3A)[F90The Commissioner] shall not conduct an investigation in pursuance of a complaint if—
(a)the complaint is in respect of action taken in any matter relating to arrangements made by a health service body and a family health service provider for the provision of family health services,
(b)the action is taken by or on behalf of the body or by the provider, and
(c)the complaint is made by the provider or the body.]
[F91(3B)Nothing in the preceding provisions of this section prevents [F92the Commissioner] conducting an investigation in respect of action taken by a health service body in operating a procedure established to examine complaints.]
(4)Her Majesty may by Order in Council amend this section so as to permit the investigation by [F93the Commissioner] of any of the matters mentioned in subsection (1) or (2).
(5)A statutory instrument containing an Order in Council made by virtue of subsection (4) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
Textual Amendments
F78Words in s. 7(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 38(2)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F79Words in s. 7(1) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 168(a) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)
F80Words in s. 7(1) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 38(2)(b), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F81Words in s. 7(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 38(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F82Words in s. 7(2)(a) substituted (1.3.2007) by National Health Service (Consequential Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 43), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 168(b) (with Sch. 3 Pt. 1)
F83Words in s. 7(2)(a) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(6)
F84Word in s. 7(2)(a) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, ss. 3, 13, Sch. 1 para. 2(2), Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F85S. 7(2)(aa) inserted (19.1.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), ss. 12(5), 40(1); S.I. 2010/30, art. 2(b)
F86Words in s. 7(2)(b) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 2(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F87S. 7(2)(c) and preceding word “and” inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 2(4); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F88Words in s. 7(3) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 38(4) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F89S. 7(3A) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 2(5); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F90Words in s. 7(3A) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 38(5) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F91S. 7(3B) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 8(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F92Words in s. 7(3B) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 38(6) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F93Words in s. 7(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 38(6) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
A Commissioner shall not conduct an investigation in respect of action taken by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland under section 33 (orders for discharge of hospital patients) [F95or], 35I (revocation of community care orders) [F96or 50 (orders discharging patients from guardianship)] of the M10Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 [F95or section 73 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000].]
Textual Amendments
F94S. 7A and sidenote inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 4(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F95Words in s. 7A inserted (S.)(1.4.2002) by 2000 asp 4, s. 88(2), Sch. 5 para. 24; S.S.I. 2001/81, art. 3, Sch. 2
F96Words in s. 7A repealed (S.)(1.4.2002) by 2000 asp 4, s. 88(2), Sch. 5 para. 24; S.S.I. 2001/81, art. 3 Sch. 2
Marginal Citations
(1)A complaint under this Act may be made by an individual or a body of persons, whether incorporated or not, other than a public authority.
(2)In subsection (1), “public authority” means—
(a)a local authority or other authority or body constituted for the purposes of the public service or of local government [F97(including the Assembly)],
(b)an authority or body constituted for the purposes of carrying on under national ownership any industry or undertaking or part of an industry or undertaking, and
(c)any other authority or body—
(i)whose members are appointed by Her Majesty or any Minister of the Crown or government department [F98or by the Assembly], or
(ii)whose revenues consist wholly or mainly of money provided by Parliament [F99or out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund][F98or the Assembly].
Textual Amendments
F97Words in s. 8(2)(a) inserted (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 112, Sch. 10 para. 7(a) (with ss. 139(2), 14314.(2)); S.I. 1999/782, art. 2
F98Words in s. 8(2)(c)(i)(ii) inserted (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 112, Sch. 10 para. 7(b) (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/782, art. 2
F99Words in s. 8(2)(c) inserted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 112(2); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3
(1)The following requirements apply in relation to a complaint made to [F100the Commissioner].
(2)A complaint must be made in writing.
(3)The complaint shall not be entertained unless it is made—
(a)by the person aggrieved, or
(b)where the person by whom a complaint might have been made has died or is for any reason unable to act for himself, by—
(i)his personal representative,
(ii)a member of his family, or
(iii)some body or individual suitable to represent him.
(4)The Commissioner shall not entertain the complaint if it is made more than a year after the day on which the person aggrieved first had notice of the matters alleged in the complaint, unless he considers it reasonable to do so.
[F101(4A)In the case of a complaint against a person who is no longer of a description set out in [F102section 2A(1)], but was of such a description at the time of the action complained of, the Commissioner shall not entertain the complaint if it is made more than three years after the last day on which the person was a family health service provider.
(4B)In the case of a complaint against a person falling within [F103section 2B(1)] in relation to whom there are no longer any such arrangements as are mentioned there, the Commissioner shall not entertain the complaint if it is made more than three years after the last day on which the person was an independent provider.]
F104(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F105(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F100Words in s. 9(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 39(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F101S. 9(4A)(4B) inserted (23.2.2001) by 2000 c. 28, ss. 2, 4(2) (with s. 3)
F102Words in s. 9(4A) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 39(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F103Words in s. 9(4B) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 39(4) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
(1)A health service body may itself refer to [F106the Commissioner] a complaint made to that body that a person has, in consequence of a failure or maladministration for which the body is responsible, sustained such injustice or hardship as is mentioned in section 3(1).
(2)A complaint may not be so referred unless it was made—
(a)in writing,
(b)by the person aggrieved or by a person authorised by section 9(3)(b) to complain to the Commissioner on his behalf, and
(c)not more than a year after the person aggrieved first had notice of the matters alleged in the complaint, or such later date as the Commissioner considers appropriate in any particular case.
F107(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)A health service body may not refer a complaint under this section after the period of one year beginning with the day on which the body received the complaint.
(4)Any question whether a complaint has been duly referred to [F106the Commissioner] under this section shall be determined by him.
(5)A complaint referred to [F106the Commissioner] under this section shall be deemed to be duly made to him.
Textual Amendments
F106Words in s. 10(1)(4)(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 40(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F107S. 10(2A) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 40(3), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
(1)Where [F108the Commissioner] proposes to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under [F109section 3(1)], he shall afford—
(a)to the health service body concerned, and
(b)to any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of,
an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.
[F110(1A)Where [F111the Commissioner] proposes to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1A), he shall afford—
(a)to the family health service provider, and
(b)to any person by reference to whose action the complaint is made (if different from the family health service provider),
an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.
(1B)Where [F112the Commissioner] proposes to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1C), he shall afford—
(a)to the independent provider concerned, and
(b)to any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of,
an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.]
[F113(1C)Where [F114the Commissioner] proposes to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1E), he shall afford to the person or body whose maladministration is complained of an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.]
(2)An investigation shall be conducted in private.
(3)In other respects, the procedure for conducting an investigation shall be such as the Commissioner considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case, and in particular—
(a)he may obtain information from such persons and in such manner, and make such inquiries, as he thinks fit, and
(b)he may determine whether any person may be represented, by counsel or solicitor or otherwise, in the investigation.
(4)[F115The Commissioner] may, if he thinks fit, pay to the person by whom the complaint was made and to any other person who attends or supplies information for the purposes of an investigation—
(a)sums in respect of expenses properly incurred by them, and
(b)allowances by way of compensation for the loss of their time.
Payments [F116made by [F117the Commissioner] F118...] under this subsection shall be in accordance with such scales and subject to such conditions as may be determined by the Treasury F119....
(5)The conduct of an investigation [F120pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1)] shall not affect any action taken by the health service body concerned, or any power or duty of that body to take further action with respect to any matters subject to the investigation.
[F121(5A)The conduct of an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1A) or (1C) shall not affect any action taken by the family health service provider or independent provider concerned, or any power or duty of that provider to take further action with respect to any matters subject to the investigation.]
(6)Where the person aggrieved has been removed from the United Kingdom under any order in force under the M11Immigration Act 1971 he shall, if the Commissioner so directs, be permitted to re-enter and remain in the United Kingdom, subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may direct, for the purposes of the investigation.
Textual Amendments
F108Words in s. 11(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 41(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F109Words in s. 11(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F110S. 11(1A)(1B) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F111Words in s. 11(1A) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 41(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F112Words in s. 11(1B) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 41(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F113S. 11(1C) inserted (1.6.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 9 para. 11(3); S.I. 2004/759, art. 7
F114Words in s. 11(1C) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 41(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F115Words in s. 11(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 41(3)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F116Words in s. 11(4) inserted (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 112, Sch. 10 para. 9(a) (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/1290, art. 4
F117Words in s. 11(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 41(3)(b) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F118Words in s. 11(4) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(7)
F119Words in s. 11(4) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 41(3)(c), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F120Words in s. 11(5) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(4); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F121S. 11(5A) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(5); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C6S. 11(1)(a)(5) modified (1.4.1996) by 1996/709, art. 9(3)(a)(i)(ii)
Marginal Citations
(1)For the purposes of an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1) [F122the Commissioner] may require any officer or member of the health service body concerned or any other person who in his opinion is able to supply information or produce documents relevant to the investigation to supply any such information or produce any such document.
[F123(1A)For the purposes of an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1A) (1C) or (1E) [F124the Commissioner] may require any person who in his opinion is able to supply information or produce documents relevant to the investigation to supply any such information or produce any such document.]
(2)For the purposes of an investigation [F125the Commissioner] shall have the same powers as the Court in respect of—
(a)the attendance and examination of witnesses (including the administration of oaths and affirmations and the examination of witnesses abroad), and
(b)the production of documents.
(3)No obligation to maintain secrecy or other restriction on the disclosure of information obtained by or supplied to persons in Her Majesty’s service, whether imposed by any enactment or by any rule of law, shall apply to the disclosure of information for the purposes of an investigation.
(4)The Crown shall not be entitled in relation to an investigation to any such privilege in respect of the production of documents or the giving of evidence as is allowed by law in legal proceedings.
(5)No person shall be required or authorised by this Act—
(a)to supply any information or answer any question relating to proceedings of the Cabinet or of any Committee of the Cabinet, or
(b)to produce so much of any document as relates to such proceedings;
and for the purposes of this subsection a certificate issued by the Secretary of the Cabinet with the approval of the Prime Minister and certifying that any information, question, document or part of a document relates to such proceedings shall be conclusive.
(6)Subject to subsections (3) and (4), no person shall be compelled for the purposes of an investigation to give any evidence or produce any document which he could not be compelled to give or produce in civil proceedings before the Court.
Textual Amendments
F122Words in s. 12(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 42 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F123S. 12(1A) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 4(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F124Words in s. 12(1A) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 42 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F125Words in s. 12(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 42 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C7S. 12(1) applied with modifications (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/709, art. 9(3)(b)
(1)[F126The Commissioner] may certify an offence to the Court where—
(a)a person without lawful excuse obstructs him or any of his officers in the performance of his functions, or
(b)a person is guilty of any act or omission in relation to an investigation which, if that investigation were a proceeding in the Court, would constitute contempt of court.
(2)Where an offence is so certified the Court may inquire into the matter and after hearing—
(a)any witnesses who may be produced against or on behalf of the person charged with the offence, and
(b)any statement that may be offered in defence,
the Court may deal with the person charged with the offence in any manner in which it could deal with him if he had committed the like offence in relation to the Court.
(3)Nothing in this section shall be construed as applying to the taking of any such action as is mentioned in section 11(5).
Textual Amendments
F126Words in s. 13(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 43 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
(1)[F128In any case where [F129the Commissioner] F130... conducts an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1) he shall send a report of the results of the investigation]—
(a)to the person who made the complaint,
(b)to any member of the House of Commons F131... who to the Commissioner’s knowledge assisted in the making of the complaint (or if he is no longer a member to such other member as the Commissioner thinks appropriate),
(c)to the health service body who at the time the report is made provides the service, or has the function, in relation to which the complaint was made, [F132and]
(d)to any person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of, F133...
F133(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)In any case where [F134the Commissioner] F135... decides not to conduct an investigation [F136pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1)] he shall send a statement of his reasons—
(a)to the person who made the complaint, [F137and]
(b)to any such member of the House of Commons F138... as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b), F139. . .
F140(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F141(2A)In any case where [F142the Commissioner] F143... conducts an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1A) he shall send a report of the results of the investigation—
(a)to the person who made the complaint,
(b)to any member of the House of Commons F144... who to the Commissioner’s knowledge assisted in the making of the complaint (or if he is no longer a member to such other member as the Commissioner thinks appropriate),
(c)to any person by reference to whose action the complaint is made,
(d)to the family health service provider (if he does not fall within paragraph (c)), [F145and]
(e)to any health service body with whom the family health service provider is subject to an undertaking to provide family health services, F146...
F146(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2B)In any case where [F147the Commissioner] F148... decides not to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1A) he shall send a statement of his reasons—
(a)to the person who made the complaint, and
(b)to any such member of the House of Commons F149... as is mentioned in subsection (2A)(b).
(2C)In any case where [F150the Commissioner] F151... conducts an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1C) he shall send a report of the results of the investigation—
(a)to the person who made the complaint,
(b)to any member of the House of Commons F152... who to the Commissioner’s knowledge assisted in the making of the complaint (or if he is no longer a member to such other member as the Commissioner thinks appropriate),
(c)to any person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of,
(d)to the independent provider, [F153and]
(e)to the health service body or family health service provider with whom the independent provider [F154(in a case within section 2B(1))] made the arrangement to provide the service concerned, F155...
F155(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2D)In any case where [F156the Commissioner] F157... decides not to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1C) he shall send a statement of his reasons—
(a)to the person who made the complaint, and
(b)to any such member of the House of Commons F158...as is mentioned in subsection (2C)(b).]
[F159(2E)In any case where [F160the Commissioner] conducts an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1E) he shall send a report of the results of the investigation—
(a)to the person who made the complaint;
(b)to any member of the House of Commons who to the Commissioner’s knowledge assisted in the making of the complaint (or if he is no longer a member to such other member as the Commissioner thinks appropriate);
(c)to the person or body whose maladministration is complained of;
(d)to any person or body whose action was complained of in the complaint made to the person or body whose maladministration is complained of;
F161(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2F)In any case where [F162the Commissioner] decides not to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1E) he shall send a statement of his reasons—
(a)to the person who made the complaint; or
(b)to any such member of the House of Commons as is mentioned in subsection (2E)(b).]
[F163(2HA)Where the Commissioner has not concluded an investigation before the end of the 12 month period beginning with the date the complaint was received, the Commissioner must send a statement explaining the reason for the delay to the person who made the complaint.]
[F164(2I)Where the Commissioner is required by this section to send a report or statement of reasons to certain persons, the Commissioner may send the report or statement to such other persons as the Commissioner thinks appropriate.]
(3)If after conducting an investigation it appears to [F165the Commissioner] F166... that—
(a)the person aggrieved has sustained such injustice or hardship as is mentioned in section 3(1) [F167, (1A) or (1C)], and
(b)the injustice or hardship has not been and will not be remedied,
he may if he thinks fit [F168lay before each House of Parliament a special report on the case.]
[F169(4)[F170The Commissioner] F171...—
(a)shall F172...annually lay before each House of Parliament a general report on the performance of his functions under this Act, and
(b)may F173... from time to time lay before each House of Parliament such other reports with respect to those functions as he thinks fit.]
[F174(4A)The general report laid under subsection (4)(a) must include information about—
(a)how long investigations that were concluded in the year to which the report relates took to be concluded,
(b)how many of those investigations took more than 12 months to be concluded, and
(c)the action being taken with a view to all investigations being concluded within 12 months.]
(5)For the purposes of the law of defamation, the publication of any matter by [F175the Commissioner] F176... in sending or making a report or statement in pursuance of this section shall be absolutely privileged.
Extent Information
E1S. 14(5) extends to Northern Ireland see s. 22(2)(a).
Textual Amendments
F127Words in s. 14 heading substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 44 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F128Words in s. 14(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 5(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F129Words in s. 14(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F130Words in s. 14(1) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
F131Words in s. 14(1)(b) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(b)
F132Word in s. 14(1)(c) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 70(2)(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F133S. 14(1)(e) and preceding word omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 70(2)(b); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F134Words in s. 14(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F135Words in s. 14(2) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
F136Words in s. 14(2) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 5(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F137Word in s. 14(2)(a) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 10(3)(a); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F138Words in s. 14(2)(b) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(b)
F139Word in s. 14(2)(b) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, ss. 10(3)(b), 13, Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F140S. 14(2)(c) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, ss. 10(3)(b), 13, Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F141S. 14(2A)-(2D) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 5(4); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F142Words in s. 14(2A) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F143Words in s. 14(2A) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
F144Words in s. 14(2A)(b) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(b)
F145Word in s. 14(2A)(d) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 70(3)(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F146S. 14(2A)(f) and preceding word omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 70(3)(b); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F147Words in s. 14(2B) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F148Words in s. 14(2B) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
F149Words in s. 14(2B)(b) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(b)
F150Words in s. 14(2C) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F151Words in s. 14(2C) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
F152Words in s. 14(2C)(b) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(b)
F153Word in s. 14(2C)(d) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 70(4)(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F154Words in s. 14(2C)(e) inserted (19.1.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), ss. 12(6), 40(1); S.I. 2010/30, art. 2(b)
F155S. 14(2C)(f) and preceding word omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 70(4)(b); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F156Words in s. 14(2D) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F157Words in s. 14(2D) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
F158Words in s. 14(2D)(b) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(b)
F159S. 14(2E)(2F) inserted (1.6.2004) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 9 para. 11(5); S.I. 2004/759, art. 7
F160Words in s. 14(2E) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F161S. 14(2E)(e) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 70(5); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 6-9)
F162Words in s. 14(2F) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F163S. 14(2HA) inserted (E.W.) (26.5.2015) by Health Service Commissioner for England (Complaint Handling) Act 2015 (c. 29), ss. 1(2), 2(1)
F164S. 14(2I) inserted (1.7.2012) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), ss. 201, 306(4); S.I. 2012/1319, art. 2(3)
F165Words in s. 14(3) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F166Words in s. 14(3) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
F167Words in s. 14(3)(a) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 5(5); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F168Words in s. 14(3) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 10(4); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F169S. 14(4) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 10(5); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F170Words in s. 14(4) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F171Words in s. 14(4) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(c)(i)
F172Word in s. 14(4)(a) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(c)(ii)
F173Word in s. 14(4)(b) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(c)(ii)
F174S. 14(4A) inserted (E.W.) (26.5.2015) by Health Service Commissioner for England (Complaint Handling) Act 2015 (c. 29), ss. 1(3), 2(1)
F175Words in s. 14(5) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 45(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F176Words in s. 14(5) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(8)(a)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C8S. 14 modified (1.7.2022) by The Health and Care Act 2022 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provision) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/734), reg. 8 (with regs. 13, 29, 30)
C9S. 14(1)(c) applied with modifications (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/709, art. 9(3)(c)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F177Ss. 14A-14C repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 46, Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F177Ss. 14A-14C repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 46, Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F177Ss. 14A-14C repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 46, Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
(1)Information obtained by [F178the Commissioner] or his officers in the course of or for the purposes of an investigation shall not be disclosed except—
(a)for the purposes of the investigation and any report to be made in respect of it,
[F179(aa)for the purposes of [F180a matter] which is being investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner or a Local Commissioner (or both),]
(b)for the purposes of any proceedings for—
(i)an offence under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 [F181or sections 1 to 4 or 18 of the National Security Act 2023] alleged to have been committed in respect of information obtained by virtue of this Act by [F178the Commissioner] or any of his officers, or
(ii)an offence of perjury alleged to have been committed in the course of the investigation,
(c)for the purposes of an inquiry with a view to the taking of such proceedings as are mentioned in paragraph (b), F182. . .
(d)for the purposes of any proceedings under section 13 (offences of obstruction and contempt) [F183or
(e)[F184where the information is to the effect that any person is likely to constitute a threat to the health or safety of patients]as permitted by subsection (1B).]
[F185[F186(1A)Subsection (1B) applies where, in the course of an investigation, [F187the Commissioner] or any of his officers obtains information which—
(a)does not fall to be disclosed for the purposes of the investigation or any report to be made in respect of it, and
(b)is to the effect that a person is likely to constitute a threat to the health or safety of patients.]
(1B)In [F188a case within subsection (1)(e)] the Commissioner may disclose the information to any persons to whom he thinks it should be disclosed in the interests of the health and safety of patients [F189; and a person to whom disclosure may be made may, for instance, be a body which regulates the profession to which the person mentioned in subsection (1A)(b) belongs or his employer or any person with whom he has made arrangements to provide services.]
(1C)If [F190the Commissioner] discloses information as permitted by subsection (1B) he shall—
[F191(a)where he knows the identity of the person mentioned in subsection (1)(e), inform that person that he has disclosed the information and of the identity of any person to whom he has disclosed it, and
(b)inform the person from whom the information was obtained that he has disclosed it.]]
(2)Neither [F192the Commissioner] nor his officers [F193nor his advisers] shall be called on to give evidence in any proceedings, other than proceedings mentioned in subsection (1), of matters coming to his or their knowledge in the course of an investigation under this Act.
[F194(3)The reference in subsection (2) to [F195the Commissioner's] advisers is a reference to persons from whom the Commissioner obtains advice under paragraph 13 of Schedule 1 F196....]
[F197(4)Information obtained from the Information Commissioner by virtue of section 76 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 shall be treated for the purposes of subsection (1) as obtained for the purposes of an investigation and, in relation to such information, the reference in paragraph (a) of that subsection to the investigation shall have effect as a reference to any investigation.]
Textual Amendments
F178Words in s. 15(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 47(2) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F179S. 15(1)(aa) inserted (1.8.2007) by The Regulatory Reform (Collaboration etc. between Ombudsmen) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1889), arts. 1(1), 11
F180Words in s. 15(1)(aa) substituted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 12 para. 15(2); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(n) (with art. 6(5))
F181Words in s. 15(1)(b)(i) inserted (20.12.2023) by The National Security Act 2023 (Consequential Amendments of Primary Legislation) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1386), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 11
F182Word in s. 15(1)(c) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, ss. 11(2), 13, Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F183S. 15(1)(e) and preceding word “or” inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 11(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F184Words in s. 15(1)(e) inserted (1.10.1999 for E.W., 1.3.2000 for S.) by 1999 c. 8, s. 43(2); S.S.I. 2000/38, art. 2
F185S. 15(1A)-(1C) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 11(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F186S. 15(1A) repealed (1.10.1999 for E.W., 1.3.2000 for S.) by 1999 c. 8, ss. 43(3), 65, Sch. 5; S.I. 1999/2540, art. 2(1)(b); S.S.I. 2000/38, art. 2
F187Words in s. 15(1A) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 47(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F188Words in s. 15(1B) substituted (1.10.1999 for E.W., 1.3.2000 for S. otherwiseprosp.) by 1999 c. 8, s. 43(4)(a); S.I. 1999/2540, art. 2(1)(b); S.S.I. 2000/38, art. 2
F189Words in s. 15(1B) repealed (1.10.1999 for E.W., 1.3.2000 for S. otherwiseprosp.) by 1999 c. 8, ss. 43(4)(b), 65, Sch. 5; S.I. 1999/2540, art. 2(1)(b); S.S.I. 2000/38, art. 2
F190Words in s. 15(1C) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 47(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F191S. 15(1C)(a)(b) substituted (1.10.1999 for E.W., 1.3.2000 for S. otherwiseprosp.) by 1999 c. 8, s. 43(5); S.I. 1999/2540, art. 2(1)(b); S.S.I. 2000/38, art. 2
F192Words in s. 15(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 47(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F193Words in s. 15(2) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 11(4); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F194S. 15(3) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 11(5); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F195Words in s. 15(3) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 47(4)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F196Words in s. 15(3) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 47(4)(b), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F197S. 15(4) inserted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 36, ss. 76(2), 87(2)(b), Sch. 7 para. 5 (with ss. 56, 78)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C10S. 15 excluded by 1974 c. 7, s. 34M(7)(b) (as inserted (1.10.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), s. 40(1), Sch. 5 para. 2; S.I. 2010/1863, art. 2)
(1)A Minister of the Crown may give notice in writing to [F198the Commissioner] with respect to any document or information specified in the notice that in the Minister’s opinion the disclosure of the document or information would be prejudicial to the safety of the State or otherwise contrary to the public interest.
(2)Where such a notice is given to [F198the Commissioner], nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorising or requiring him or any of his officers to communicate to any person or for any purpose any document or information specified in the notice.
(3)References above to a document or information include references to a class of document or a class of information.
Textual Amendments
F198Words in s. 16(1)(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 48 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
(1)This section applies where [F199the Commissioner] also holds F200... the office of Parliamentary Commissioner (an “additional office”).
(2)Where—
(a)a person initiates a complaint to the Commissioner as the holder of the additional office, and
(b)the complaint relates partly to a matter with respect to which that person has previously initiated, or subsequently initiates, a complaint to the Commissioner in his capacity as such,
information obtained by the Commissioner or his officers in the course of or for the purposes of the investigation of that other complaint may be disclosed for the purposes of carrying out his functions in relation to the complaint initiated to him as the holder of the additional office.
F201(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F199Words in s. 17(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 49(2)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F200Words in s. 17(1) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 49(2)(b), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F201S. 17(3) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 49(3) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C11S. 17 extended (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1351, art. 17(5)(a); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3
(1)Where [F202the Commissioner], at any stage in the course of conducting an investigation, forms the opinion that the complaint relates partly [F203or wholly] to a matter which could be the subject of an investigation—
F204(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)by the Parliamentary Commissioner under the M12Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967,
[F205(ba)by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales under the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 [F206or the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019],]
(c)by a Local Commissioner under Part III [F207or 3A] of the M13Local Government Act 1974, [F208or]
(d)[F209by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman under the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002], F210...
F210(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
he shall consult about the complaint with the appropriate Commissioner [F211or F212... Ombudsman] and, if he considers it necessary, he shall inform the person initiating the complaint of the steps necessary to initiate a complaint to that Commissioner [F211or F212... Ombudsman].
(2)Where [F213the Commissioner] consults with another Commissioner [F214, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman] or F215... [F216the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales] in accordance with this section, the consultations may extend to any matter relating to the complaint, including—
(a)the conduct of any investigation into the complaint, and
(b)the form, content and publication of any report of the results of such an investigation.
(3)Nothing in section 15 (confidentiality of information) applies in relation to the disclosure of information F217... in the course of consultations held in accordance with this section.
Textual Amendments
F202Words in s. 18(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 50(2)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F203Words in s. 18(1) inserted (1.4.2004 for W., 1.4.2006 for E.) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 11 para. 64; S.I. 2004/480, art. 4(2)(aa) (with art. 6) (as amended by S.I. 2004/1019 and S.I. 2006/345), S.I. 2005/2925, art. 10(2)(j)
F204S. 18(1)(a) repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 50(2)(b) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F205S. 18(1)(ba) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 50(2)(c) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F206Words in s. 18(1)(ba) inserted (E.W.) (23.7.2019) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2019 (anaw 3), s. 77(1), Sch. 5 para. 15; S.I. 2019/1096, reg. 2
F207Words in s. 18(1)(c) inserted (1.10.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), s. 40(1), Sch. 5 para. 13; S.I. 2010/1863, art. 2
F208Word in s. 18(1)(c) repealed (14.7.2005 for W.) by Housing Act 2004 (c. 34), s. 270(4)(5)(f), Sch. 15 para. 37(2)(a), Sch. 16; S.I. 2005/1814, arts. 1(2), 2(f)(iv)
F209Words in s. 18(1)(d) substituted (14.7.2004) by The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(9)(a)(ii)
F210S. 18(1)(e) and word repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 50(2)(d), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F211Words in s. 18(1) inserted (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 112, Sch. 10 para. 14(2) (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/782, art. 2
F212Word in s. 18(1) omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(9)(a)(iii)
F213Words in s. 18(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 50(3)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F214Words in s. 18(2) inserted (14.7.2004) by The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(9)(b)
F215Words in s. 18(2) repealed (14.7.2005 for W.) by Housing Act 2004 (c. 34), s. 270(4)(5)(f), Sch. 15 para. 37(3), Sch. 16; S.I. 2005/1814, arts. 1(2), 2(f)(iv)
F216Words in s. 18(2) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 50(3)(b) (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F217Words in s. 18(3) repealed (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 38, ss. 112, 152, Sch. 10 para. 14(4), Sch. 18 Pt. I (with ss. 137(1), 139(2), 141(1), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/782, art. 2
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C12S. 18 extended (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1351, art. 17(5)(a); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3
C13S. 18(1)(b) extended (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1351, art. 17(5)(b); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3
Marginal Citations
(1)If at any stage in the course of conducting an investigation under this Act the Commissioner forms the opinion that the complaint relates partly to a matter within the jurisdiction of—
(a)the Parliamentary Commissioner,
(b)a Local Commissioner, or
(c)both,
he may, subject to subsection (2), conduct an investigation under this Act jointly with that Commissioner or those Commissioners.
(2)The Commissioner must obtain the consent of the person aggrieved or any person acting on his behalf in accordance with section 9(3) before agreeing to a joint investigation referred to in subsection (1).
(3)If the Commissioner forms the opinion that [F219matters which are the subject of an investigation] by—
(a)the Parliamentary Commissioner,
(b)a Local Commissioner, or
(c)both,
[F220include] a matter within his jurisdiction, he may conduct an investigation [F221of that matter] under this Act jointly with that Commissioner or those Commissioners.
(4)If the Commissioner conducts an investigation F222... jointly with another person, the requirements of section 14 (reports) (so far as relating to a case where the Commissioner conducts an investigation under this Act) may be satisfied by a report made jointly with that person.
(5)Apart from identifying any body or provider investigated, a report prepared by virtue of subsection (4) by the Commissioner and a Local Commissioner shall not—
(a)mention the name of any person, or
(b)contain any particulars which, in the opinion of the Commissioner and the Local Commissioner, are likely to identify any person and can be omitted without impairing the effectiveness of the report,
unless, after taking into account the public interest as well as [F223the interests of the complainant (if any) and of other persons], the Commissioner and the Local Commissioner consider it necessary to mention the name of that person or to include in the report any such particulars.
(6)Nothing in subsection (5) of this section prevents a report—
(a)mentioning the name of, or
(b)containing particulars likely to identify,
the Mayor of London or any member of the London Assembly.]
Textual Amendments
F218S. 18ZA inserted (1.8.2007) by The Regulatory Reform (Collaboration etc. between Ombudsmen) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1889), arts. 1(1), 6
F219Words in s. 18ZA(3) substituted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 12 para. 15(3)(a)(i); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(n) (with art. 6(5))
F220Word in s. 18ZA(3) substituted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 12 para. 15(3)(a)(ii); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(n) (with art. 6(5))
F221Words in s. 18ZA(3) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 12 para. 15(3)(a)(iii); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(n) (with art. 6(5))
F222Words in s. 18ZA(4) repealed (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 12 para. 15(3)(b), Sch. 18 Pt. 14; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(n)(ii)(v) (with art. 6(5))
F223Words in s. 18ZA(5) substituted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 12 para. 15(3)(c); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(n) (with art. 6(5))
(1)[F225The Health Service Commissioner] may disclose to the Information Commissioner any information obtained by, or furnished to, the Health Service Commissioner under or for the purposes of this Act if the information appears to the Health Service Commissioner to relate to—
(a)a matter in respect of which the Information Commissioner could exercise any power conferred by—
[F226(i)sections 142 to 154, 160 to 164 or 174 to 176 of, or Schedule 15 to, the Data Protection Act 2018 (certain provisions relating to enforcement),]
(ii)section 48 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (practice recommendations), or
(iii)Part IV of that Act (enforcement), or
[F227(b)the commission of an offence under—
(i)a provision of the Data Protection Act 2018 other than paragraph 15 of Schedule 15 (obstruction of execution of warrant etc), or
(ii)section 77 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (offence of altering etc records with intent to prevent disclosure).]
(3)Nothing in section 15 (confidentiality of information) applies in relation to the disclosure of information in accordance with this section.]
Textual Amendments
F224S. 18A and sidenote inserted (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 36, ss. 76(2), 87(2)(b), Sch. 7 para. 6 (with ss. 56, 78)
F225Words in s. 18A(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 51 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F226S. 18A(1)(a)(i) substituted (25.5.2018) by Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 43(a) (with ss. 117, 209, 210, Sch. 20 para. 47(1)); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)
F227S. 18A(1)(b) substituted (25.5.2018) by Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12), s. 212(1), Sch. 19 para. 43(b) (with ss. 117, 209, 210, Sch. 20 para. 47(2)); S.I. 2018/625, reg. 2(1)(g)
In this Act—
“action” includes failure to act, and related expressions shall be construed accordingly;
[F228[F229“allotted sum” shall be construed in accordance with section 15 of the M14National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 or, in Scotland, section 87B of the M15National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978;]]
[F230“the Assembly” means the National Assembly for Wales;]
“the Court” means, in relation to England and Wales, the High Court, F231...and in relation to Northern Ireland, the High Court in Northern Ireland;
[F232“direct payment services” means services in respect of which direct payments have been made under section 12A(1), or under regulations under section 12A(4), of the National Health Service Act 2006;]
[F233“family health services” has the meaning given by section 2A;
“family health service provider” has the meaning given by section 2A;]
F234...
“functions” includes powers and duties;
“health service body” has the meaning given by section 2;
[F235“independent provider” has the meaning given by section 2B;]
“local authority” means—
[F238“Local Commissioner” means a Local Commissioner under Part 3 of the Local Government Act 1974;]
“officer” includes employeeF239...;
“Parliamentary Commissioner” means Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration;
“patient” includes an expectant or nursing mother and a lying-in woman; F240. . .
“person aggrieved” means the person who claims or is alleged to have sustained such injustice or hardship as is mentioned in section 3(1) [F241, (1A) or (1C)].
[F242[F243“recognised fund-holding practice” shall be construed in accordance with section 14 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 or, in Scotland, section 87A of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.]]
Textual Amendments
F228Words in s. 19 inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 6(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F229Words in s. 19 repealed (1.10.1999 for E.S., 1.4.2000 for W.) by 1999 c. 8, s. 65, Sch. 4 para. 85(4), Sch. 5; S.I. 1999/2540, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 1999/90, art. 2, Sch. 2; S.I. 2000/1026, art. 2(1), Sch.
F230Words in s. 19 inserted (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 112, Sch. 10 para. 15(2) (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/782, art. 2
F231Words in s. 19 omitted (14.7.2004) by virtue of The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1823), arts. 1, 17(10)
F232Words in s. 19 inserted (19.1.2010) by Health Act 2009 (c. 21), ss. 12(7), 40(1); S.I. 2010/30, art. 2(b)
F233Words in s. 19 inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 6(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F234Words in s. 19 repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 52(2), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F235Words in s. 19 inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 6(4); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F236Words in s. 19 repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6)(8), Sch. 16 para. 108, Sch. 18 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 para. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2
F237Words in s. 19 inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 108 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 para. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2
F238Words in s. 19 inserted (1.8.2007) by The Regulatory Reform (Collaboration etc. between Ombudsmen) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1889), arts. 1(1), 17
F239Words in s. 19 repealed (1.4.2006) by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c. 10), s. 40, Sch. 6 para. 52(3), Sch. 7 (with s. 38); S.I. 2005/2800, art. 5(1)(3)
F240Word in s. 19 repealed (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, ss. 3, 13, Sch. 1 para. 6(5), Sch. 2; S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F241Words in s. 19 inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 6(6); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F242Words in s. 19 inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 6(7); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)
F243Words in s. 19 repealed (1.10.1999 for E.S., 1.4.2000 for W.) by 1999 c. 8, s. 65, Sch. 4 para. 85(4), Sch. 5; S.I. 1999/2540, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 1999/90, art. 2, Sch. 2; S.I. 2000/1026, art. 2(1), Sch.
Marginal Citations
(1)Schedule 2 to this Act (which contains amendments consequential on this Act) has effect.
(2)The enactments set out in Schedule 3 are repealed to the extent specified.
(1)The repeal and re-enactment of provisions in this Act does not affect the continuity of the law.
(2)Anything done, or having effect as if done, under a provision reproduced in this Act has effect as if done under the corresponding provision of this Act.
(3)Any reference (express or implied) in this Act or any other enactment, or in any instrument or document, to a provision of this Act shall (so far as the context permits) be construed as (according to the context) being or including in relation to times, circumstances or purposes before the commencement of this Act a reference to the corresponding provision repealed in this Act.
(4)Any reference (express or implied) in this Act or any other enactment, or in any instrument or document, to a provision repealed in this Act shall (so far as the context permits) be construed as (according to the context) being or including in relation to times, circumstances or purposes after the commencement of this Act a reference to the corresponding provision of this Act.
(5)Subsection (4) is subject to Schedule 2.
(1)This Act may be cited as the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993.
(2)The following provisions of this Act extend to Northern Ireland—
(a)sections 11, 12, 13, 14(5), 15, 16 and this section;
(b)section 19 so far as it relates to provisions mentioned in this subsection;
(c)Schedule 2 so far as it amends any enactment which extends to Northern Ireland; and
(d)Schedule 3 so far as it repeals any enactment which extends to Northern Ireland.
(3)The Secretary of State may by order provide that this Act shall apply to the Isles of Scilly with such modifications, if any, as are specified in the order.
Any such order shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(4)This Act shall come into force at the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which it is passed.
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