FOS had a recent ruling that if the consumer accepted the settlement offer from the financial business that means they accepted it as full and final settlement for their claim or complaint. If the consumer did not agree with the settlement, meaning they did not accept the cheque offered, then the consumer has the right to reject and escalate it to the FOS.

Another scenario wherein you can proceed to FOS is when the consumer filed the complaint and the business was not able to provide a final response to the consumer within the 8 weeks or 56 days upon receiving the complaint. According to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) handbook the financial business must provide a final response within 8 weeks or 56 days upon receipt of the complaint and if in any case that the business is not yet in the position to resolve the complaint they must provide a holding response letter to the consumer stating the reasons of the delay. If in any case that the customer did not receive a holding response letter or a final response letter and it has passed the 56-day mark mandated to provide a Final Response, you have the option to progress the claim to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

For ease and comfort in progressing your complaint to FOS there are claims management companies who can help you with your concern. They know how important this is for you and they will help you get what you deserve.