Which? responds as FOS appoints permanent CEO and Chief Ombudsman

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:

“The appointment of a permanent CEO and chief ombudsman is a vital step forward, bringing much-needed strategic certainty.

“The FOS is facing the greatest threat to its independence and effectiveness in its 25-year history due to ill-conceived proposals in the government’s Financial Services and Markets Bill. The new prime minister and chancellor must take on board concerns from consumer groups and the FCA and make the necessary changes to this legislation.

“It simply isn’t credible for a government to claim to be on the side of ordinary people while at the same time undermining protections for individual consumers when they are in a dispute with some of the most powerful businesses in the country.”