Written Question · S1W-17002 · Session 1
Further to the announcement on 5 July 2001 by the Minister for Justice regarding consultation on an independent body to look into complaint…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement on 5 July 2001 by the Minister for Justice regarding consultation on an independent body to look into complaints against the police, whether it will detail all complaints procedures which fall within the Executive's responsibility, which of these already contain significant independent elements, and what plans it has to introduce greater independence into any complaints procedures.
The answer
The Executive, across all its responsibilities, is subject to independent investigation by the Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (SPCA) in the event of any claims made by the public of injustice resulting from maladministration.The Executive is currently consulting on new proposals for modern public sector Ombudsman arrangements in Scotland, with a view to introduction of a Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman Bill to the Parliament. The key policy contained in the Bill will be the creation of a one-stop shop which will combine the existing functions of the SPCA, the Health Service Commissioner for Scotland, the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland and the Housing Association Ombudsman for Scotland. It is proposed that the one-stop shop should also deal with complaints made against Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, whose existing External Complaints Adjudicators will be wound up. The Bill will contain provisions which will continue and reinforce the independence of the Ombudsman function.Additionally, specific arrangements exist for dealing with complaints about administrative procedures in certain areas for which the Executive has responsibility. Details are set out in the table. Scottish Executive Area | Nature of Complaints
Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Dept.
Crofters Commission | Complaints against the standard of service provided by Crofters Commission Area Office Staff.
Crofters Commission | Complaints about Crofting Building Grants and Loan Cases.
Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency | Complaints about dissatisfaction with service provided by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.
Environment Group | Complaints about the handling of environmental appeals cases by the Executive.This process is due to be revised.
Environment Group | Complaints to Scottish ministers that a coast protection authority (i.e. local authority) have failed to take sufficient measures.
CAP Management Division | Complaints about:administration of the Integrated Administration and Control System which processes CAP schemes; decisions which affect claims for agricultural subsidies, or standard of service received.The procedure is currently under review as part of the wider review of CAP administration.
Scottish Executive Development Dept.
Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit (SEIRU) | Complaints procedure for services provided by SEIRU as set out in the Unit's Charter Standard Statement.
Rent Registration Service | Complaints about Rent Registration Service functions.
Scottish Executive Justice Dept.
Courts Group | Complaints about Court of Session judges are submitted to the Scottish ministers.Where serious concerns exist about a Court of Session judge, a tribunal may be constituted to investigate that person's fitness for office. If the tribunal reports that the person in question is unfit for office, the First Minister may make a motion to the Scottish Parliament for the
Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Dept.
Crofters Commission | Complaints against the standard of service provided by Crofters Commission Area Office Staff.
Crofters Commission | Complaints about Crofting Building Grants and Loan Cases.
Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency | Complaints about dissatisfaction with service provided by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.
Environment Group | Complaints about the handling of environmental appeals cases by the Executive.This process is due to be revised.
Environment Group | Complaints to Scottish ministers that a coast protection authority (i.e. local authority) have failed to take sufficient measures.
CAP Management Division | Complaints about:administration of the Integrated Administration and Control System which processes CAP schemes; decisions which affect claims for agricultural subsidies, or standard of service received.The procedure is currently under review as part of the wider review of CAP administration.
Scottish Executive Development Dept.
Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit (SEIRU) | Complaints procedure for services provided by SEIRU as set out in the Unit's Charter Standard Statement.
Rent Registration Service | Complaints about Rent Registration Service functions.
Scottish Executive Justice Dept.
Courts Group | Complaints about Court of Session judges are submitted to the Scottish ministers.Where serious concerns exist about a Court of Session judge, a tribunal may be constituted to investigate that person's fitness for office. If the tribunal reports that the person in question is unfit for office, the First Minister may make a motion to the Scottish Parliament for the
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-17002 by reference.