Compare UK Complaint Routes
When a complaint to a company does not resolve your issue, there are several escalation routes available depending on the sector. This table compares the main options.
| Feature | Financial Ombudsman | Energy Ombudsman | Ofcom / ADR | PHSO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sectors covered | Banks, insurers, lenders, financial advisers | Gas and electricity suppliers | Telecoms, broadband, postal services | NHS England, government departments |
| Free to use | ||||
| Binding decision | Yes (if you accept) | Yes (if you accept) | Yes (via ADR scheme) | Recommendations only |
| Time limit to refer | 6 months from final response | 12 months from complaint | 12 months via ADR | 12 months from awareness |
| Deadlock letter needed | Or 8 weeks without response | Or 8 weeks without response | Or 8 weeks without response | Usually must exhaust NHS process first |
| Can award compensation | Up to £430,000 | Up to £10,000 | Varies by ADR scheme | Can recommend compensation |
Always complain to the company first and allow them the required time to respond before escalating.
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