Commentary on Sections Miscellaneous and general Section 17 – Annual reports etc.
61.This section requires the Ombudsman to lay before the Parliament each year a general report on the exercise of his/her functions. Under subsection (2) the Ombudsman may use the annual report to comment and/or offer advice on best practice in relation to the Ombudsman’s activities.
62.Under subsection (3)the Parliament can stipulate, and amend if and when necessary, the format and content of annual reports.
63.Subsection (4)allows the Ombudsman to report on his/her functions to Parliament outwith the parameters of an annual report. For example, it will enable a significant matter which comes to the Ombudsman’s notice directly after the publication of an annual report to be published straight away.