Telecommunications and Postal Users’ Councils
The Minister reported that the two councils cost £49,325 in 1984 and handled 403 complaints. In response to concerns about public awareness, effectiveness and overlap with the Ombudsman, he agreed to consider the councils’ roles and implications of the Ombudsman’s expanded remit.
asked the Minister for Communications the cost of the Users' Council for the year 1984; and the number of complaints dealt with by the council.
Comment on this
The former Post Office Users' Council was replaced on 5 July 1984 by a Telecommunications Users' Council and a Postal Service Users' Council. The combined cost of the users' councils for the year 1984 was £49,325 and the number of complaints dealt with was 403.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied with the structure of the Users' Council as it stands? I do not think the public are aware of the existence of this council, as is evidenced by the 400 complaints that have been made. Would the Minister review the work of the council so that it will become more meaningful to the consumers?
Comment on this
The Deputy has a point and I will consider the roles of the two councils and how they might be changed.
Comment on this
Does the Minister propose to review the terms of reference of the council in view of the recent extension of the Ombudsman Act whose terms of reference have been extended to complaints about telephone and telecommunications generally? What future does he see for this council?