Commentary on Individual Provisions Section 9: Statement of practice
40.This section requires the Ombudsman to prepare a statement of practice setting out the approach the Ombudsman intends to take to carrying out the independent review function that is provided for in section 7. It will be for the Ombudsman to determine the content of the statement of practice, but it could include details of timescales for carrying out reviews, and methods of exchanging information with local authorities and applicants for reviews.
41.Subsections (2) and (3) provide that the Ombudsman must consult local authorities and such other persons as the Ombudsman considers appropriate before preparing the statement of practice, and must be published in a way that the Ombudsman considers appropriate.
42.Subsection (4) provides that the Ombudsman may revise the statement of practice.
43.Subsection (5) provides that subsections (2) to (4) apply to a revised statement of practice. This means the consultation and publication requirements in these subsections also apply to a revised statement. It also provides that the Ombudsman can further revise a revised statement of practice.