Overview

This bill establishes an Armed Forces Commissioner, replacing the Service Complaints Ombudsman. The Commissioner will have broader responsibilities, including investigating general service welfare matters and addressing service complaints, promoting the welfare of service personnel and their families, and improving public understanding of their welfare issues.

Description

The bill abolishes the office of the Service Complaints Ombudsman and creates the Armed Forces Commissioner. The Commissioner's functions include:

• Handling service complaints: Taking over the complaint redress function previously held by the Ombudsman.
• Investigating general service welfare matters: Investigating matters affecting the welfare of service personnel and their families, with the power to enter service premises to gather information (subject to restrictions and approvals).
• Reporting: Preparing reports on investigations, including findings and recommendations, which must be submitted to Parliament.
• Promoting welfare and public understanding: The Commissioner has a general function of promoting the welfare of service personnel and their families, and improving the public's understanding of welfare issues faced by them.

The Commissioner will be appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Secretary of State and will be a corporation sole, not considered a Crown servant or agent. The bill includes provisions for deputy commissioners, staff, delegation of functions, and liability.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased or decreased government spending. However, it will likely involve costs associated with establishing the new office, including the Commissioner's salary, staffing, and operational expenses. There may also be associated costs in transferring responsibilities from the previous office.

Groups Affected

The following groups are likely to be affected by this bill:

• Armed forces personnel: They will have a new point of contact for complaints and welfare concerns.
• Families of armed forces personnel: Their welfare concerns will also fall under the Commissioner's purview.
• The Ministry of Defence: Will be responsible for appointing the Commissioner and providing support.
• Parliament: Will receive reports from the Commissioner.

Powered by nyModel