The Local Government Act 1974 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (7).
In section 33 (consultation between Local Commissioners and other Commissioners)—
in subsection (1) after paragraph (b) insert—bzaby a housing ombudsman under the Housing Act 1996,,
in subsection (2) after "Parliamentary Commissioner," insert ," a housing ombudsman, "
after subsection (3) insert—3AIf at any stage in the course of conducting an investigation under the Housing Act 1996, a housing ombudsman forms the opinion that the complaint relates partly to a matter which could be the subject of an investigation under this Part of the Act, the ombudsman must consult with the appropriate Local Commissioner about the complaint and, if the ombudsman considers it necessary, inform the person initiating the complaint of the steps necessary to initiate a complaint under this Part of this Act.,
in subsection (4) after "subsection (3)" insert , and" or (3A) "
in that subsection after "1967" insert ." or under the Housing Act 1996 "
Section 33ZA (collaborative working between Local Commissioners and other Commissioners) is amended as follows.
In subsection (1) (power to conduct joint investigations)—
in paragraph (c) for "both" substitute , and" a housing ombudsman "
for the words from "jointly" to the end substitute " jointly with any also-involved ombudsman or jointly with any two or more also-involved ombudsmen. "
After subsection (1) insert—
In subsection (3) (power to conduct joint investigations)—
in paragraph (c) for "both" substitute , and" a housing ombudsman "
for the words from "jointly" to the end substitute " jointly with a person within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) who is investigating the complaint or jointly with any two or more such persons. "
In section 34(1) (interpretation of Part 3) insert at the appropriate place—
In Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1996 (housing ombudsman schemes) after paragraph 10 insert—