IT could soon be easier for people in Wales to make formal complaints about public services if plans get the go-ahead.

The proposed Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Bill will remove the requirement for all complaints to be made in writing.

It will also give the public services ombudsman for Wales powers to carry out investigations without receiving formal complaints, which it is hoped will help people who feel unable to speak out.

The bill, which has been introduced by the Welsh Assembly’s finance committee, will also give the ombudsman the power to investigate private healthcare providers where patients have commissioned the treatment alongside that provided by the NHS.

Committee chairman Simon Thomas said: “The public services ombudsman for Wales has a crucial role in representing the people of Wales when they have received poor service or have been treated unfairly by public services.

"As a committee, we want this role to be strengthened, to be more responsive and citizen-focused.

"Taking away the requirement of a formal written complaint is a simple step in doing this and will allow the more vulnerable in society to engage with the ombudsman’s office and make complaints when needed.

"Allowing the ombudsman to investigate the whole complaint, when a patient has received a combination of public and private health services is essential in making sure that the investigation follows the citizen, not the sector."