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Written Question
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Monday 12th January 2026

Asked by: Joe Robertson (Conservative - Isle of Wight East)

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the level of independence of the complaint review process within the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The legal powers underpinning the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s investigations are invested in the Ombudsman themselves and they have personal authority in the investigation of complaints. I therefore have no remit to interfere with the Ombudsman’s investigatory work.

This independence rightly keeps central government at arm’s length from the service that the Ombudsman provides to members of the public; a service which is an important element of the overarching local government accountability system.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"Does my hon. Friend understand why my Isle of Wight constituents reject the idea of a new mayor being imposed upon them under the name of “Hampshire and Solent”, with the Isle of Wight name disappearing? My constituents do not live in the Solent. Indeed, nobody lives in the Solent …..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"The hon. Member is speaking about an important issue—that of utility companies seemingly closing roads without due consideration. Indeed, Southern Water tried to close the main road into Bembridge in my constituency from 1 December to 21 December; it did not consult with the local community, and only backed down …..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

View all Joe Robertson (Con - Isle of Wight East) contributions to the debate on: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"My hon. Friend mentioned two key words: democratic accountability. That is fundamentally what underpins this issue, and it is a principle that we expect to apply to all forms of public transport—except ferries.

I urge the Government to use this opportunity to create regulation and devolve it down. That way, …..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

View all Joe Robertson (Con - Isle of Wight East) contributions to the debate on: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, in that I am a serving Isle of Wight councillor. I want to speak to new clause 48 in my name and new clause 39 in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Dame …..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

View all Joe Robertson (Con - Isle of Wight East) contributions to the debate on: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"It absolutely does provide that incentive. I thank the shadow Minister for remarking on my tone; I have always tried to work with the Government on this matter. I acknowledge again that this is more than a campaign—it is a core issue for my constituents, and for constituents on the …..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"Will my hon. Friend give way?..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

View all Joe Robertson (Con - Isle of Wight East) contributions to the debate on: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"rose—..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

View all Joe Robertson (Con - Isle of Wight East) contributions to the debate on: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"My hon. Friend is very kind to give way, perhaps with a little pressure from more senior Members sitting just in front of him. He poses the question of whether there is a combined area where all the unified communities link well together. Sadly, I can give an example of …..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 24 Nov 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

"My constituency is popular with tourists. In the spirit of the hon. Gentleman’s conversation with my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne (Lewis Cocking), I invite him to visit my constituency; I think he missed our Health and Social Care Committee visit last year. Airbnbs are a big challenge, and …..."
Joe Robertson - View Speech

View all Joe Robertson (Con - Isle of Wight East) contributions to the debate on: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill