PRESS RELEASE : New Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman appointed [January 2024]

The next Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has been confirmed as Amerdeep Somal by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove following a rigorous selection process.

Ms Somal will start in post on 1st February 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience having previously served as the Complaints Commissioner to the Financial Regulators and Chief Commissioner at the Data and Marketing Commission.

She has also been appointed as Chair of the Commission for Local Administration in England, the official body which runs the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman service.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigates complaints from members of the public about local councils and social care providers. The Ombudsman is appointed by His Majesty the King on the advice of the Secretary of State, and the Ombudsman’s investigations are independent of central government.

Ms Somal was appointed following an open recruitment competition overseen by Commissioner for Public Appointments, and her appointment was endorsed by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee following a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing held in Parliament on 18th September 2023.

Minister for Local Government Simon Hoare said:

“The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman provides a vital role in holding our public services to account, ensuring the public has the power to challenge decisions on the issues that matter most to them.

“I am delighted Amerdeep Somal has been confirmed as the next Ombudsman and look forward to working with her in the future.”

Further information:

• Amerdeep Somal sits on the board of the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman. She is also a Judge of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal.
• She was the Independent Assessor to the Financial Ombudsman Service and board member at the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council. She is a former founding Commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission, and has held a number of other board roles following an earlier career as a senior civil servant.
• Ms Somal has been appointed as Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for a term of seven years.