FOS reopens 23% more cases in weeks after Dispatches programme

Dispatches aired 12 March

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

The FOS reopened 23.3% more cases in the fortnight following the Dispatches documentary than the corresponding period in 2017, a freedom of information (FOI) request by Professional Adviser has revealed.

When it aired on 12 March, the Channel 4 programme suggested "thousands of cases" might ultimately have to be reopened by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) as a result of what it had found. From 13 March, the day after the Dispatches documentary aired, to 3 April 2018, when Professional Adviser submitted the FOI request, the FOS reopened 960 cases that had closed after its first-stage assessment. During the same period last year, the ombudsman reopened 778 cases, meaning 23.3% more cases were reopened in the two weeks following the Dispatches programme than 12 months earlier. O...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

Agile IT needed as rapid regulation change becomes the norm

Agile IT needed as rapid regulation change becomes the norm

'Gone are the lengthy consultation and rule-setting cycles that often took several years'

Paul Muir
clock 15 April 2024 • 6 min read
Leveling up the playing field when it comes to picking skilled persons

Leveling up the playing field when it comes to picking skilled persons

Given the prerequisite for accuracy, a rigorous selection process is essential

Richard Farr
clock 15 April 2024 • 4 min read
A practical way forward: Utilising hybrid to close the advice gap

A practical way forward: Utilising hybrid to close the advice gap

Will the FCA's advice/guidance review increase access to advice?

Chet Velani
clock 02 April 2024 • 6 min read