The SPSO noted, however, that this was no longer the case citing modernising legislation in Wales and 7 Northern Ireland which included “own initiative powers”. 1 Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Official Report, 26 November 2024, Col 2 and 21 2 Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Official Report, 26 November 2024, Col 2 3 Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Official Report, 10 December 2024, Col 20 4 Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (2024).