The Commissioner for Environment and Planning submits recommendations on planning reform

Date of article: 25/08/2025

Daily News of: 25/08/2025

Country:  Malta

Author: National Ombudsman of Malta

Article language: en

The Commissioner for Environment and Planning within the Office of the Ombudsman, Perit Alan Saliba, has submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations as part of the Government’s public consultation on a holistic planning reform.

The Commissioner welcomed the initiative but emphasised that reform must lead to a planning system that is transparent, accountable, enforceable, and fair to residents and third parties alike.

 

In his recommendations, the Commissioner highlighted a number of areas where changes are necessary:

 

  • Appeals and permits – Development permits should be suspended while appeals are pending to avoid irreversible impacts. Appeal procedures must be fair, consistent, and accessible, with clear safeguards against unequal deadlines and unrealistic timeframes.
     
  • Policy hierarchy – Planning decisions must follow Local Plans and Spatial Strategies, ensuring that public consultation and technical assessments carry proper weight. Departures from established plans should not be allowed arbitrarily.
     
  • Enforcement and regularisation – Enforcement must be strengthened, particularly in Outside Development Zones. Regularisation against the payment of fines should not replace proper enforcement. Fines should be increased to reflect the seriousness of infringements, with revenue channelled into specific public projects.
     
  • Validity of permits – The Building and Construction Authority should take over responsibility for construction timeframes and the validity of permits, reducing prolonged nuisance from stalled or extended projects. Different types of development should carry different validity periods.
     
  • Public access and transparency – Greater access to information, clearer consultation procedures, and fairer appeal mechanisms are needed to ensure trust and accountability in the system.

Perit Saliba noted that reform should not only update procedures but also restore public trust by curbing the normalisation of irregular development, ensuring that planning decisions respect both the environment and community well-being.

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Voci in Ascolto – Marco Enrico, Difensore Civico della Regione Sardegna.

Date of article: 23/08/2025

Daily News of: 25/08/2025

Country:  Italy

Author: Regional Ombudsman of Lazio

Article language: it

Prosegue il ciclo di interviste “Voci in ascolto”, con cui il Coordinamento Nazionale dei Difensori Civici intende far conoscere da vicino le esperienze, i valori e le sfide quotidiane dei Difensori Civici attivi nelle Regioni e Province Autonome italiane.

L’Avv. Marco Enrico, Difensore Civico della Regione Sardegna, ci racconta il recente incontro nazionale svoltosi ad Alghero e il ruolo che la sua Regione svolge all’interno del Coordinamento.

Qual è stato il principale tema trattato durante l’iniziativa di Alghero e quale contributo ha portato la Sardegna al Coordinamento Nazionale?

«L’iniziativa di Alghero, tenutasi nel giugno scorso, ha segnato un momento importante per il Coordinamento. Da un lato, è stata l’occasione per affrontare una tematica giuridica delicata come il silenzio della Pubblica Amministrazione; dall’altro, un momento di confronto aperto tra i Difensori Civici regionali.
Un punto particolarmente significativo è stato il dibattito sull’ipotesi di intervento del Difensore Civico dopo l’abolizione del reato di abuso d’ufficio. Inoltre, siamo orgogliosi che la Sardegna abbia ospitato per la prima volta il Coordinamento nazionale: un traguardo di grande valore simbolico e istituzionale.»

Com’è nato e come si è sviluppato l’evento di Alghero? Quali obiettivi si volevano raggiungere?

«L’idea è nata alla fine della scorsa estate, in accordo con il Coordinatore nazionale Marino Fardelli. Abbiamo pensato di organizzare ad Alghero un Coordinamento e un convegno dal titolo “La Difesa civica tra accesso agli atti e i silenzi della Pubblica Amministrazione”.
L’obiettivo era duplice: da un lato diffondere maggiore consapevolezza dello strumento della Difesa Civica come tutela concreta per i cittadini; dall’altro promuovere la cultura della legalità e la conoscenza degli strumenti normativi messi a disposizione dalla Regione Sardegna e dallo Stato.»

Qual è stato il riscontro da parte del territorio e degli enti locali sardi?

«La risposta è stata molto positiva. Hanno partecipato il Sindaco di Alghero, il Vice Sindaco, il Presidente del Consiglio Comunale e le autorità accademiche dell’Università di Sassari. Una presenza istituzionale ampia che ha dimostrato l’interesse e la vicinanza al tema.»

Quali sono le problematiche più frequenti che affronta l’Ufficio del Difensore Civico in Sardegna?

«In Sardegna, Regione a Statuto speciale, i casi più ricorrenti riguardano la sanità e l’accesso agli atti. Spesso riceviamo segnalazioni su questioni legate alla viabilità pedonale per le persone con disabilità, o alla manutenzione delle passerelle per l’accesso alle spiagge da parte dei cittadini con mobilità ridotta.
La varietà dei casi è ampia e coinvolge l’intero spettro del rapporto tra cittadini e Pubblica Amministrazione.»

Esistono buone pratiche sviluppate in Sardegna che possono essere utili ad altri Uffici regionali?

«Sì. Ad esempio, lo scorso inverno abbiamo organizzato con l’Ispettorato scolastico regionale una serie di incontri con gli studenti delle scuole primarie e secondarie sul tema della legalità. Stiamo inoltre lavorando a un nuovo progetto per accompagnare le scuole nella transizione verso la digitalizzazione della Pubblica Amministrazione, riducendo difficoltà e disuguaglianze.
A settembre lanceremo, insieme alla Presidenza del Consiglio, un’iniziativa di respiro nazionale a cui auspichiamo aderiscano tutti i Difensori Civici italiani.»

Quanto è importante la sinergia tra i Difensori Civici regionali?

«Fondamentale. È uno spazio di confronto, scambio di buone pratiche e modelli. Inoltre, ci consente di affrontare tematiche di respiro nazionale e internazionale, come il tema della ricostruzione sociale ed umana in Ucraina. Sarebbe auspicabile un riconoscimento legislativo del Coordinamento nazionale, per rafforzarne ulteriormente il ruolo.»

Come valuta la relazione con gli altri attori istituzionali della Regione Sardegna?

«Dopo anni di assenza della figura (dal 2017), oggi posso dire che si è instaurata una relazione di rispetto e collaborazione con Consiglio, Giunta, enti locali e ASL. Tutto ciò nell’interesse del cittadino, vero destinatario della tutela del Difensore Civico.»

Quali risultati considera più significativi e quali le difficoltà maggiori?

«Ogni intervento è importante, perché risponde a un interesse meritevole di tutela. Una delle maggiori soddisfazioni deriva dal vedere la Pubblica Amministrazione accogliere le decisioni a favore del cittadino in tema di accesso agli atti, dimostrando capacità di rivedere criticamente le proprie posizioni.
Le difficoltà più grandi, invece, riguardano i casi complessi in ambito sanitario.»

Cosa l’ha colpita di più nel rapporto diretto con i cittadini?

«Per abitudine professionale ho sempre cercato il contatto diretto. Ricevere personalmente i cittadini, ascoltarli e aiutarli a superare problemi che sembravano insormontabili è un’esperienza entusiasmante.
Il rapporto umano è ciò che rende questa funzione davvero preziosa: i ringraziamenti e la gratitudine ricevuti testimoniano l’importanza di un’istituzione percepita come vicina e non distante.
Dal punto di vista personale e umano, considero questa esperienza straordinaria e arricchente

L’intervista a Marco Enrico conferma come la difesa civica nazionale sia un presidio essenziale di vicinanza, ascolto e tutela dei cittadini, capace di dialogare con le istituzioni e allo stesso tempo di raccogliere i bisogni reali delle comunità locali.

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IOI Ombudsman News 32/2025

Date of article: 22/08/2025

Daily News of: 25/08/2025

Country:  WORLD

Author: International Ombudsman Institute

Article language: en



 

The Regional meeting of the IOI's APOR region is organised by the Control Yuan

CONTROL YUAN, TAIWAN | The 37th APOR Conference to Be Held in Taipei from 3 to 5 September 2025

The Control Yuan of Taiwan is organizing the 37th Australasian and Pacific Ombudsman Region (APOR) Conference themed “Diverse Practices and Developments in Ombudsperson and Human Rights Work”, scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 September 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan.



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AORC | Reminder: AORC-IOI Webinar on “Gender-Inclusive Policies: A Guide for Ombudsman Offices”

Join the African Ombudsman Research Centre, the research and training arm of the African Ombudsman and Mediators' Association, for their webinar on Gender-Inclusive Policies. This event, organised in partnership with the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), will take place on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 at 10 am (GMT+2). Kindly click here for more information on the panelists. During the webinar, simultaneous interpretation into French and Spanish is provided.



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Dr Grant Davies, Tasmania’s Ombudsman and Health Complaints Commissioner

AUSTRALIA | Dr Grant Davies appointed as Tasmania’s Ombudsman and Health Complaints Commissioner

Dr Grant Davies was appointed Tasmania’s Ombudsman and Health Complaints Commissioner in July 2025. He brings over 25 years of experience in public service, with a strong background in complaints resolution and health oversight.



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Representantes de la DPCABA hablan sobre conflictos con la administración pública

ARGENTINA | La Defensoría del Pueblo de Río Cuarto recibió capacitación de la Defensoría del Pueblo de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires sobre abordaje de conflictos con la administración pública

En el marco del Proyecto Regional del Instituto Internacional del Ombudsman, la Defensoría del Pueblo de Río Cuarto (Provincia de Córdoba) fue sede de la capacitación “Abordaje de Conflictos con la Administración Pública desde las Defensorías del Pueblo. Promoción de un Diseño Institucional Propio”, dictada por el equipo técnico de la Defensoría del Pueblo de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (DPCABA).



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PAKISTAN | Szabist students honoured as brand ambassadors by Mohtasib Sindh

On 23rd July, 2025, a group of SZABIST students were honored with Brand Ambassador Certificates by Mr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Hon’ble Ombudsman (Mohtasib) Sindh in a special ceremony held at the Mohtasib Secretariat.



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The annual report and accounts 2024/25 are out now

UK | Complaints to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales continue to rise

On 14 August 2024, the Ombudsman for Wales published its Annual Report & Accounts for 2024-25, which shows a staggering 43% increase in the number of new complaints received since the year preceding the Covid-19 pandemic.



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The annual report is available as an ebook

INDONESIA | Short version of the Indonesia Ombudsman’s Annual Report 2024 now available as e-book

The book titled "Annual Report Ombudsman RI 2024" provides an overview of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia’s key achievements and performance throughout 2024 in short version. This annual report’s theme is "Strengthening Oversight, Advancing Maladministration Prevention." 



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NSW Ombudsman 50 Year Anniversary Report is now available

Australia | Fifty Years of the New South Wales Ombudsman 1975–2025

The NSW Ombudsman has published a report capturing the office’s 50 years since establishment – half a century of unwavering commitment to independence, fairness and the public interest in New South Wales. The report written by Dr Lisa Murray, public historian, serves as a testament to the evolving role, impacts and the enduring legacy of the office over time. 



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Report on the activities of the Austrian NPM in 2024 now available in English

AUSTRIA | Annual Report 2024 on the activities of the National Preventive Mechanism

The Austrian National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) published the English version of its Annual Report 2024. In the year under review, the NPM carried out a large number of visits, providing a good picture of the human rights situation in Austria.



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Hay que reforzar la prevención y la coordinación en la lucha contra los incendios forestales

ESPAÑA | El Defensor del Pueblo recuerda a las administraciones que deben reforzar la prevención y la coordinación en la lucha contra los incendios

En 2022 se dirigió a todas las CCAA, las dos ciudades autónomas, diputaciones forales y a la Secretaría de Estado de Medio Ambiente para instarles, a través de un recordatorio de deberes legales, a favorecer la gestión forestal sostenible, la resiliencia de los montes frente al fuego, la correcta ordenación de los usos del suelo y la intensificación de la coordinación administrativa. El Defensor del Pueblo seguirá supervisando el cumplimiento de los deberes legales en virtud de sus atribuciones recogidas en la Ley Orgánica 3/1981 que regula la institución.



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Direct investigation results on air-conditioner dripping in public housing estates announced

HONG KONG, CHINA | Ombudsman announces results of direct investigation operation into Housing Department’s handling of air-conditioner dripping in public housing estates

On 7 August 2025, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, announced the completion of a direct investigation operation into the Housing Department (“HD”)’s handling of air-conditioner dripping in public housing estates, with 15 major recommendations for improvement made to HD.



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Representates de la PPN y la Defensoría del Pueblo de Colombia

ARGENTINA | Argentina y Colombia fortalecen la protección de derechos humanos en cárceles tras intercambio bilateral

La Procuración Penitenciaria de la Nación y la Defensoría del Pueblo de Colombia culminaron con éxito un programa de intercambio técnico que durante cinco días reunió a especialistas en derechos humanos de personas privadas de la libertad de ambos países.



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CANADA | Five-year review of BC’s whistleblower law: Ombudsperson proposes targeted amendments

On 19 August 2025, BC Ombudsperson Jay Chalke released four reports to support the Legislative Assembly’s mandatory five-year review of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA). The reports give legislators real case examples, lessons learned, and proposed amendments to strengthen the Act, based on the Ombudsperson’s experience investigating disclosures of public wrongdoing.



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SOUTH KOREA | "No Borders in Preventing Corruption” - ACRC and APEC Sought Anti-Corruption Cooperation

From July 30 to August 1, the ACRC hosted the 41st APEC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Experts’ Working Group Meeting and the APEC High-Level Dialogue on Anti-Corruption Cooperation over three days.



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Disabled North Yorkshire residents to see improvements to council’s home adaptations service

Date of article: 21/08/2025

Daily News of: 21/08/2025

Country:  United Kingdom - England

Author: Local Government Ombudsmen for England

Article language: en

North Yorkshire Council has agreed to improve the way it deals with Disabled Facilities Grant applications after a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigation discovered it had a significant backlog of cases.

While investigating a complaint from a resident about the time it was taking for his home to be adapted to meet his child’s needs, the Ombudsman found the council had a backlog of nearly 700 referrals that had not yet been approved for adaptations.

The average time the council was taking to approve a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) application was 262 days, when government guidance states even the most complex cases should take no longer than 180.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, Ms Amerdeep Somal said:

“Disabled Facilities Grants can make a real difference, helping people stay in the homes they love and live in with comfort, dignity, and independence for as long as possible.

“However the council is taking too long to approve grants to make this possible, and nearly 700 Disabled people across North Yorkshire are living under a cloud of uncertainty, not knowing whether the adaptations they may need are going to be given the green light.

“I am pleased North Yorkshire Council has agreed this is not acceptable. I hope its action plan to tackle this situation, and the focus councillors will now place on this issue, will ensure Disabled people across the area will have their applications decided more swiftly going forwards."

The Ombudsman issued a report and a number of Good Practice Guides for local councils over the summer focusing on housing issues affecting Disabled people, including best practice advice for officers on DFGs.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman remedies injustice and shares learning from investigations to help improve public, and adult social care, services. In this case the council has agreed to apologise to the original complainant and pay him £500 to acknowledge the distress and uncertainty caused. It will also explore all options for progressing the man’s application without further delay.

The Ombudsman has the power to make recommendations to improve processes for the wider public. In this case the council will draw up an action plan with timescales to reduce the delay in dealing with DFG referrals to ensure it is meeting timescales.

It will also provide twice yearly updates on its website of the progress it is making to clear the backlog.

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Trabajadoras del SAD de Santa Cruz de Tenerife transmiten a la Diputada del Común fallos en la calidad del servicio a mayores y dependientes

Date of article: 20/08/2025

Daily News of: 21/08/2025

Country:  Spain - Canary Island

Author: Regional Ombudsman of the Canary Islands

Article language: es

Representantes de USO además denuncian acoso sexual y la realización de limpiezas inadecuadas

Lola Padrón ve necesario que el ayuntamiento abra una investigación sobre estos temas y el por qué del cambio de horas de atención al ser trasladada la prestación a la Comunidad Autónoma 

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 20 de agosto de 2025.- La Diputada del Común, Lola Padrón, se reunió este martes con trabajadoras representantes del Servicio de Ayuda a Domicilio de Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Verónica González González y Carmen Delia Henríquez Barreto, representantes legales del sindicato Uso, expusieron ante la Diputada del Común y su equipo asesor la situación del colectivo, la lucha que vienen sosteniendo desde hace años y la precariedad a la que están abocadas, así como los fallos que corre el servicio de ayudas a personas mayores y dependientes. El municipio de Santa Cruz de Tenerife cuenta con casi 4.000 personas mayores de 65 años y la demanda de asistencia especializada en domicilio va en aumento. Las representantes laborales, resumen en varios frentes la situación por la que están pasando: Falta de control de los servicios asignados, un cambio de prestación horaria inferior al ser traspasado el servicio a la Comunidad Autónoma, acoso sexual de algunos usuarios y limpiezas en domicilios donde no se reúne un mínimo de salubridad.

Verónica González explicó que esta situación no solo les está afectando a las trabajadoras del sector, sino que está poniendo en riesgo la atención de las personas mayores que precisan de sus cuidados. Su labor consiste en prestar aseos personales y todo lo que conlleva, la realización de compras esenciales, acompañamientos a médicos, acompañamiento para evitar la soledad de las personas en peligro de exclusión social, “no se está haciendo una revisión de los servicios que precisan de estas tareas, que son bastantes personas a las que se les ha concedido todos los servicios y sólo quieren que se les limpie”. La representante sindical explicó que en muchos casos solo se realizan servicios de limpieza, dejando de lado las funciones de ayuda sanitaria, “nos han pedido que comuniquemos las personas que son, lo hacemos y no hay resultados efectivos”, señaló.

La Diputada del Común estima que sería necesario que el ayuntamiento de Santa Cruz de Tenerife abriera una investigación sobre todas las cuestiones planteadas por las trabajadoras, y además una explicación sobre el cambio de gestión del servicio, trasladado del Ayuntamiento a la Comunidad Autónoma y prestado ahora a través de una empresa externa, “esto ha supuesto en muchos casos la reducción de horas de asistencia sin explicación alguna a las familias, pasando de seis horas de atención a tres, sin detallar el motivo”, aseveró.  Por tanto, “reclamamos que se verifique si la empresa adjudicataria cumple con el pliego de condiciones y que se garantice que este servicio esencial se presta con la calidad y las características que las personas usuarias necesitan, sin recortes encubiertos ni condiciones que pongan en riesgo la dignidad de quienes lo reciben”.

La gravedad del acoso sexual

El noventa y dos por ciento de las trabajadoras del servicio de ayuda a domicilio son mujeres, y reclaman que unido a esta dejadez de falta de gestión con el horario y los servicios prestados surge la gravedad del acoso sexual que sufren con algunos pacientes, y como algunas se han visto en situaciones comprometidas sin que se les ponga remedio “se realizan servicios en donde las trabajadoras han recibido acoso y agresión sexual, se retira a esa trabajadora y se pone a otra, que vuelve a pasar por la misma situación, sin aviso previo de lo que ha pasado, para que la nueva trabajadora no tenga conocimiento y se niegue a acudir. Son usuarios reincidentes y sólo se han retirado tres servicios, por la insistencia de la comisión de igualdad del comité, y es que en los domicilios estamos a puerta cerrada en el territorio del acosador, hay doble intimidación y vulnerabilidad”, indicó González.

Igualmente, han expuesto a la Diputada del Común la circunstancia de tener que ir a limpiar a viviendas que no reúnen un mínimo de salubridad, sin que se les preste a esas personas vulnerables una asistencia digna.

Lola Padrón escuchó con atención ejes en los que las trabajadoras del área, justificó la necesidad de que el ayuntamiento debería intervenir “por un lado, se han señalado casos graves de acoso sexual a trabajadoras, la mayoría mujeres, que requieren ser tratados con la máxima seriedad y con garantías de protección. Por otro, existen denuncias sobre deficiencias en la limpieza y reducción de horas de atención, lo que podrían estar repercutiendo directamente en las condiciones de vida de las personas mayores y dependientes”, concluyó.

 
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