For local authority chief executives and

LGO link officers, and other authorities

within LGO jurisdiction

LGO Link

Issue number 6, July 2009

Dear Colleague

In this issue of LGO Link we highlight our consultation with local authorities on the introduction of statements of reasons for our decisions. We are keen to hear your views before we start to implement them. There are also details of the next `open course' in our training programme; places are still available.

Seeking feedback on statements of reasons

The Ombudsmen are consulting councils on the introduction of statements of reasons. This is a power given to us under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and means that we can prepare and publish a statement of reasons for our decisions. The aim is to create greater transparency for our work and to extend understanding among our various audiences, including councils.

Each of the Ombudsmen has written to the chief executives of authorities within their areas outlining their proposed approach and asking for feedback by 11 September 2009.

Annual report and reviews published

Our Annual Report 08/09 was laid before Parliament on 14 July and is now on our website in both pdf and html format (www.lgo.org.uk/publications/annual-report). Copies have been sent to all councils.

The Annual Reviews for every council in England are also on our website in the Councils' performance section (www.lgo.org.uk/CouncilsPerformance) where they are listed in an A-Z index.

LGO training: open course in September

Our next `open course' in Effective Complaint Handling takes place in September in Leeds. The purpose of the open courses is to assist those authorities that wish to train small numbers of staff who deal with investigating and responding to complaints. It brings individuals or small groups of staff from different authorities together and gives them an opportunity to share ideas and experience.

Date: Wednesday 30 September

Time: 10am to 4.30pm

Venue: The Met Hotel, Leeds

Cost: £130 per delegate which includes course packs, lunch and refreshments.

Please note that this training is different from the link officer courses that the Local Government Ombudsman's offices run specifically to improve communication between authorities and the Ombudsman when dealing with complaints. The Effective Complaint Handling Course is designed to assist authorities in dealing with complaints internally. For more information visit our website at: www.lgo.org.uk/training-councils

If any of your council's staff would be interested in attending please let us know as soon as possible and we will reserve a place. You can do this by telephoning Jackie David on 01904 380226 or [name removed] on [tel no removed] or by email to [email address]

Serving notices

An issue arose recently concerning the serving of notices on the Ombudsmen about the disclosure of information that we thought would be helpful to make more widely known. Under changes to the Local Government Act 1974 some notices can be served electronically, but section 32(3) notices should still be served by post. A notice served electronically will be invalid and of no effect. Could you please pass this information on to the relevant people in your authority.

Newsletter distribution

We are keen for this newsletter to reach all council staff who may have an interest in the work of the Ombudsmen. The email list includes main link officers and chief executives so please forward on to other colleagues or provide us with their contact details and we will add them to the distribution list. Email [email address removed]