To ask the Deputy Prime Minister by what means the Local Government Ombudsman is accountable to the public; and how his work is monitored. [111193]

The Commission for Local Administration in England (Local Government Ombudsman) was established by the Local Government Act 1974. It is treated as a specified body for the purposes of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and receives funding as a deduction (top slice) from Revenue Support Grant. The Commission is required under the Local Government Act 1974 to publish an annual report and submit the report to such persons as appear to the Commission to represent local authorities. The Commission makes this report publicly available, including via the Ombudsmans website. The report is available in the Library of the House.The Ombudsmans investigations are wholly independent of the Government, and as regards matters of legality may be subject to judicial review.