Ombudsman Plan for East Assembly

The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) is set to appoint an independent ombudsman to deal with any serious complaints about its work.

EERA, which includes members of councils across Beds, Cambs, Essex, Herts, Norfolk and Suffolk, wants to improve its complaints procedure.

A report said the assembly wanted a way of dealing with complaints which go beyond the level of chief executive.

The plan goes before EERA executive committee next week.

The report does not suggest there have been problems with the complaints procedure, but argues that a proper procedure should be in place.

It says the ombudsman will be appointed to serve for three years and should not be a member of the assembly or any of the member bodies of the assembly.