The Ombudsman responded today to calls for evidence on the Welfare Funds (Scotland) Bill  (link is external) that is before the Scottish Parliament.  The Bill could mean a new role for us, and an extension of our jurisdiction to include the ability to review and change Welfare Funds decisions. We have not expressed a view on whether this role should or should not come to us. We are a Parliamentary body and Parliament will make this decision when reflecting on the Bill.

The Ombudsman has previously published a briefing note to explain how this might work in practice.  Today he responded to the Welfare Reform Committee explaining some of the practical, legal steps that would need to be taken to make this new role work and to the Finance Committee about the estimates relating to SPSO in the financial memorandum for the Bill.  The Ombudsman's responses are on the consultations and inquiries page of our website.