New case note - early assistance in name change case

A new case note illustrates the impact that the Intake and Early Assistance Team can have. This team is the first point of contact for people seeking the Ombudsman’s help.

In this case, a woman applied to Inland Revenue to change her birth name to her married name. She provided the evidence required by the application form—her marriage certificate. But Inland Revenue insisted on a higher standard of evidence. 

The Intake and Early Assistance team got in touch with Inland Revenue to discuss the woman’s concerns, and as a result Inland Revenue reversed its decision and changed her name. Sometimes all it takes is for an agency to be willing to take a fresh look at the issue.

See case note: Decision not to accept marriage certificate as proof of surname change