As of 28 February 2022, there are 19 unallocated substance and maladministration cases – the oldest case in the backlog is December 2021. It is currently taking us 4 months to allocate these types of cases to an investigator. However, there are no delays in processing applications for referrals, admissibility reviews or undue delay investigations.
We have seen a 33% increase in substance and maladministration applications and the team is working hard to deal with cases in the order they are received. However, if you are thinking about making an application to us for a substance or maladministration investigation, we encourage you to do so. It is very important that you make your application to the Ombudsman within the 6-week time limit otherwise we may not be able to review your case at all. The quickest way to send us an application and documents to is electronically by email to our contact mailbox.
Our Enquiries Team are happy to answer any questions and can be contacted by email at contact@scoaf.org.uk. If you would prefer to speak to someone leave us a message on 0300 369 0989 and one of the team will call you back.