180 extra bodies face complaints grilling

Children and their parents can bring complaints about an additional 180 bodies to children’s ombudsman Emily Logan from the end of this month.

The extension of powers to a range of public bodies that provide services for children follows a lobbying campaign led by her since 2005. It may also add to the workload of Ms Logan’s office, which has already seen a 26% rise in complaints, year-on-year, in the first three months of 2013. Half of all complaints received are education related.

From Apr 30, the action or inaction of public and some private organisations now covered will come under the complaints and investigations remit of the Children’s Ombudsman. Those covered will include: