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 on investigation times.

Description

The bill modifies the 1993 Act in two main ways:

• Explaining Delays: If a complaint investigation isn't finished within 12 months, the Commissioner must explain the delay to the complainant.
• Annual Reporting: The Commissioner must provide an annual report to Parliament detailing investigation times, including the number of investigations taking longer than 12 months, and steps taken to meet the 12-month target.

The Act will come into force two months after it is passed and applies to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The changes primarily relate to reporting requirements and procedural improvements within the existing Health Service Commissioner's office, not the creation of new programs or initiatives.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Patients: Those making complaints to the Health Service Commissioner will receive more timely explanations for delays and potentially see faster resolution of their complaints.
• Health Service Commissioner for England: The Commissioner's office will have new reporting requirements and procedural changes to implement.
• Parliament: Parliament will receive annual reports on the performance of the Commissioner's office in handling complaints.

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