Ombudsman says some people need help making complaints

Ombudsman Nick Bennett has said no-one should be put off complaining about public services because they feel unable to do so in writing.

Assembly members are considering a bill which would boost the ombudsman's powers and scope, including a duty to handle oral complaints.

Mr Bennett said it was "feudal" that oral complaints could currently only be considered at his discretion.

People unable to write complaints "shouldn't be dependent on what mood I happen to be in" on whether their concerns were followed up, the ombudsman told the assembly's equalities committee.

However, he told committee chairman John Griffiths he did not need extra funding to pay for advocates to support less literate people making complaints.