The new powers are a reflection of the increasing role of the ombudsman in the health service complaints system since 1996, when that body was allowed to investigate matters of clinical competence for the first time.

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However, it confirmed it does not have an independent arbitration system for complaints and customers cannot take disputes to an ombudsman.

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And it includes changes to the regulatory system for social housing - including the abolition of the Tenant Services Authority and changes to the ombudsman regime for social housing complaints.

BBC: At-a-glance: Localism Bill