To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what legislation governs the powers of the Local Government Ombudsman; what changes have been made to that legislation since enactment; and if she will make a statement. (194200)

The legislative framework for the Local Government Ombudsman is provided by Part III of the Local Government Act 1974. This has since been amended by a range of primary legislation to reflect changes in the organisations and local services which fall within the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction. Most recently, Part 9 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 provided for the modernisation and clarification of the role and working practices of the Ombudsman.