Scrutiny of government

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Checks and balances on the executive, judiciary and legislature support the separation of powers. Scrutiny of the executive is performed by Parliament through select committees, as well as questions and debates in the House of Commons. In addition, independent Ombudsmen are empowered to investigate maladministration, democratic checks on MPs are exercised at election time, and public inquiries can be set up to scrutinise incidents of general public concern.

The Ombudsman

The Ombudsman performs an important independent function in investigating cases of maladministration within public services. A range of Ombudsmen cover UK public bodies, handling complaints relating to policing, information, finance, immigration, pensions and property across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Name of OmbudsmanJurisdictionComplaints handled
Parliamentary and Health Service OmbudsmanEnglandGovernment departments

NHS

Agencies of departments
Independent Office for Police ConductEngland and WalesHome Office

HMRC
Information CommissionerUKData protection

Freedom of Information

Environmental information

Privacy and electronic

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