Defence Committee not happy with MOD Service Complaints Ombudsman proposals

The Government must now establish a more truly independent complaints process in the Armed Services, says the House of Commons Defence Committee in its latest report, published today. The report is a response to the Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill, which has completed its passage through the House of Lords, and is now being considered in the House of Commons.

The Defence Committee welcomes the proposals for the new Service Complaints Ombudsman, which the Committee believes should strengthen independent oversight and streamline the complaints process. But, the committee argues, the Bill does not go far enough.

• Report: Armed Forces (Services Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill
• Report: Armed Forces (Services Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill (PDF)
• Inquiry: Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill
• Jump to the Committee's 1-page Conclusions and Recommendations

British Armed Forces Federation (BAFF) has been calling for some time now for a true ombudsman for armed forces personnel, to build on the good work of the existing Service Complaints Commissioner.

• Defence Committee backs BAFF call for Armed Forces Ombudsman (2013)