Paragraph 7 Acting Ombudsman
260.This paragraph allows for the appointment of an acting Ombudsman in the circumstances set out in sub-paragraph 7(1). These are if the office becomes vacant, if the Lord Chancellor considers that the Ombudsman is unable to exercise his functions or if there is a conflict of interest in relation to a particular matter. The person so appointed would have to be eligible for appointment as Ombudsman. The paragraph also provides for the payment and pension of the acting Ombudsman and for the circumstances in which his appointment may come to an end, for instance because the situation that gave rise to him being needed has ended.