Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many complaints that were rejected by the independent Case Examiner were referred to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17 and (c) 2017-18.

Members of Parliament may refer complaints to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman at any time they choose, regardless of whether they have been rejected or considered by the Independent Case Examiner. Decisions on whether to accept a complaint for investigation rests with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s Office and we do not hold information about the number of complaints referred to them.