Overview

This bill amends the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993 to improve the handling of complaints made to the Health Service Commissioner for England. Key changes include requiring explanations for delays exceeding 12 months and mandating annual reports to Parliament detailing investigation times.

Description

The bill modifies the 1993 Act in two key ways:

• Mandatory Delay Explanations: If an investigation takes longer than 12 months, the Commissioner must explain the delay to the complainant.
• Annual Parliamentary Reporting: The Commissioner must submit an annual report to Parliament. This report must detail the duration of concluded investigations, the number exceeding 12 months, and steps taken to meet the 12-month target.

The bill comes into effect two months after its passage and applies to England and Wales only.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to significantly impact government spending. The main cost will be administrative, relating to the additional reporting requirements placed on the Health Service Commissioner.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Complainants: They will receive explanations for delays exceeding 12 months in their complaint investigations.
• The Health Service Commissioner for England: They will have new reporting and communication responsibilities.
• Parliament: Will receive annual reports on complaint handling performance.

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