Form and time limit for making complaintN.I.
This section has no associated Explanatory Notes
26—(1) The Ombudsman may specify—
(a)the form in which complaints must be made, and
(b)any particulars which complaints must contain.
(2) Where the complaints handling procedure has been exhausted, the complaint must be made to the Ombudsman within 6 months of the day that the notice under section 25 is sent.
(3) Where the complaints handling procedure has not been exhausted but section 24(2) applies, the complaint must be made to the Ombudsman within 12 months of the day on which the person aggrieved first has notice of the matters alleged in the complaint.
(4) But the Ombudsman may investigate a complaint, despite the requirements of subsections (1) to (3) not being met, if there are special circumstances which make it proper to do so.