20 January 2023

The Government has published its response to pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Victims Bill. The Bill aims to reduce barriers for justice by removing the requirement that victims of crime must go through an MP to make a complaint about a public body.

Ombudsman Rob Behrens says:

“Having to go through an MP to make a complaint about public bodies is an additional hurdle for those wanting justice. I welcome the Government’s commitment to seeking to reduce such barriers for victims of crime by removing this requirement.

"I would like to see the Government go one step further and make the MP filter optional for all complaints about public services, bringing us in line with other modern democracies across the world."