The British version of the Ombudsman has remained essentially the same since its introduction in 1967. The changes in public administration under the Thatcher-Major governments and the constitutional reforms of the Blair government have provided a climate of change for the public sector Ombudsman services. In the light of international comparisons this article considers what are the distinctive features of the British model and the extent of their inter-linkedness. After an analysis of the recently completed Cabinet Office review and developments in the financial services sector, the article argues that the time is ripe for four radical developments of the Ombudsman system: abolition of the MP filter; a self-starting power; a ‘legislative comment’ role; and the integration of the public sector schemes.
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