Alderman John Smyth (Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council) has been suspended from sitting on the council’s Planning Committee for three months following an Adjudication Hearing held on 15 June.

An Ombudsman report released today has found that the significant and repeated failures to properly update patients on healthcare waiting lists in Northern Ireland  amounted to ‘systemic maladministration’, and in many cases had a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of those waiting.

A report issued today has found that the Department for Communities has implemented a number of recommendations relating to how it uses further evidence in support of Personal Independence Payments, but that it must do more to improve the system for claimants.

Please note that due to industrial action there will be a disruption to our normal service on Wednesday 26 April.

Please note that our office will be closed to the public on Friday 7th April, but we will still be taking calls and enquiries.

Our latest Bulletin provides updates on our most recent work, including our new Case Digest which contains guidance for schools on managing complaints.  It also highlights some of our recently published reports, including our investigations into complaints about health trusts, a GP practice, and a local council.