Welfare Reform Bill

I, too, support the amendment of the noble Baroness, Lady Thomas. Her timing is absolutely impeccable, given the announcement last week or this week. I cannot remember when that was; time goes by so fast. I would not like to see a charter gather dust on the shelves and be hauled out only when somebody asks for it specifically. It should be handed out with every single first claim so that people know about it right from the beginning. I believe that it would also enormously help the people who would administer the charter because they will know where the lines are drawn as well. They will know whether somebody has the right to complain, and not seek to hide that. I recall a case that occurred some years ago where somebody wanted to complain about the doctors who handled Benefits Agency claims. That was before Atos. That person complained to the GMC and got nowhere because they were told that the doctors were employed by that organisation. When they complained to the organisation, they were, of course, totally ignored, so they had a problem. An ombudsman would be the ideal person to deal with such a situation. Therefore, I support the amendment.