Related provisions for DISP 3.5.11

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DISP 3.7.1RRP
Where a complaint is determined in favour of the complainant, the Ombudsman's determination may include one or more of the following:17(1) a money award against the respondent; or1717(2) an interest award against the respondent; or1717(3) a costs award against the respondent; or1717(4) a direction to the respondent.17
DISP 3.7.2RRP
Except in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a9 money award may be such amount as the Ombudsman considers to be fair compensation for one or more of the following:9(1) financial loss (including consequential or prospective loss); or(2) pain and suffering; or(3) damage to reputation; or(4) distress or inconvenience;whether or not a court would award compensation.17
DISP 3.7.2AGRP
9In relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a money award is a payment of such amount as the Ombudsman determines that a respondent should make (or should have made) to a complainant under the scheme.
DISP 3.7.3GRP
17Where the Ombudsman is determining what amount (if any) constitutes fair compensation as a money award in relation to a relevant new complaint or a relevant transitional complaint, the Ombudsman Transitional Order and the Mortgages and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order require him to take into account what amount (if any) might have been expected to be awarded by way of compensation in relation to an equivalent complaint dealt with under the former scheme in question
DISP 3.7.4RRP

17The maximum money award which the Ombudsman may make is £150,000.28

28
DISP 3.7.4AGRP
3The effect of section 404B(5) of the Act is that the maximum award which the Ombudsman may make also applies in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act.10
DISP 3.7.6GRP
17If the Ombudsman considers that fair compensation requires payment of a larger amount, he may recommend that the respondent pays the complainant the balance. The effect of section 404B(6) of the Act is that this is also the case in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act.109
DISP 3.7.7RRP
17The Ombudsman will maintain a register of each money award.
DISP 3.7.9RRP
17A costs award may:(1) be such amount as the Ombudsman considers to be fair, to cover some or all of the costs which were reasonably incurred by the complainant in respect of the complaint; and(2) include interest on that amount at a rate and as from a date specified in the award.
DISP 3.7.10GRP
17In most cases complainants should not need to have professional advisers to bring complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service, so awards of costs are unlikely to be common.
DISP 3.7.11RRP
17 Except in relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a9 direction may require the respondent9 to take such steps in relation to the complainant as the Ombudsman considers just and appropriate (whether or not a court could order those steps to be taken).99
DISP 3.7.11AGRP
9In relation to a “relevant complaint” within the meaning of section 404B(3) of the Act10, a direction may require the respondent to take such action as the Ombudsman determines the respondent should take (or should have taken) under the scheme.
DISP 3.7.12RRP
17A respondent must comply promptly with:(1) any award or direction made by the Ombudsman; and(2) any settlement which it agrees at an earlier stage of the procedures.
DISP 3.7.13GRP
17Under the Act, a complainant can enforce through the courts a money award registered by the Ombudsman or a direction made by the Ombudsman.
FEES 5.5B.8RRP
The purpose of FEES 5.5B is to set out the requirements on respondents to pay fees in relation to cases referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
FEES 5.5B.9RRP
These fees are towards funding the Financial Ombudsman Service, and are invoiced and collected directly by the FOS Ltd.
FEES 5.5B.10GRP
In each of the Financial Ombudsman Service's jurisdictions, the annual budget reflects the total expected to be raised by levies plus the total expected to be raised by case fees for the relevant financial year.
FEES 5.5B.12RRP
A respondent must pay to the FOS Ltd the standard case fee specified in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 1 in respect of each chargeable case relating to that respondent which is closed by the Financial Ombudsman Service , unless the respondent is identified as part of a charging group as defined in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 3.
FEES 5.5B.13GRP
The exclusion of respondents that are identified as part of a charging group as defined in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 3 applies only from 1 April 2013. Those respondents continue to be liable for the standard case fee under FEES 5.5B.12 R in respect of chargeable cases closed by the Financial Ombudsman Service before 1 April 2013.
FEES 5.5B.14RRP
But a respondent will only be liable for, and the FOS Ltd will only invoice for, the standard case fee in respect of the 26th and subsequent chargeable cases in any financial year.
FEES 5.5B.16RRP
A respondent must pay to the FOS Ltd any standard case fee which it is liable to pay under FEES 5.5B and which is invoiced by the FOS Ltd within 30 calendar days of the date when the invoice is issued by the FOS Ltd.
FEES 5.5B.17RRP
A respondent must pay to the FOS Ltd the supplementary case fee specified in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 2 in respect of each chargeable case (PPI) relating to that respondent which is referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service, as well as any standard case fee under FEES 5.5B.12 R, unless the respondent is identified as part of a charging group as defined in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 3.
FEES 5.5B.18GRP
The exclusion of respondents that are identified as part of a charging group as defined in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 3 applies only from 1 April 2013. Those respondents continue to be liable for the supplementary case fee under FEES 5.5B.17 R in respect of chargeable cases (PPI) referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service before 1 April 2013.
FEES 5.5B.19RRP
Notwithstanding the above, a respondent will only be liable for, and the FOS Ltd will only invoice for the supplementary case fee in respect of the 26th and subsequent cases relating to that respondent that fall within 5FEES 5.5B.17 R5 in any financial year.
FEES 5.5B.21RRP
The FOS Ltd:(1) will invoice the special case fee as described in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 4; and(2) may invoice the relevant charging group through any of the individual respondents in the relevant charging group.
FEES 5.5B.22RRP
A charging group must pay to the FOS Ltd any special case fee (including any year-end adjustment) as described in FEES 5 Annex 3R Part 4 within 30 calendar days of the date when the invoice is issued by the FOS Ltd.
FEES 5.5B.25RRP
If a respondent does not pay a case fee payable under FEES 5.5B in full to the FOS Ltd before the end of the date on which it is due, that respondent must pay to the FOS Ltd in addition:(1) an administrative fee of £250; plus(2) interest on any unpaid amount at the rate of 5% per annum above the Official Bank Rate from time to time, accruing on a daily basis from the date on which the amount concerned became due.
FEES 5.5B.26GRP
The FOS Ltd may take steps to recover any money owed to it (including interest).
FEES 5.5B.27RRP
If it appears to the FOS Ltd that in the exceptional circumstances of a particular case the payment of any case fee under FEES 5.5B would be inequitable, the FOS Ltd may (unless FEES 5.5B.29 R applies) reduce or remit all or part of the case fee in question which would otherwise be payable.
FEES 5.5B.28RRP
If it appears to the FOS Ltd that in the exceptional circumstances of a particular case to which FEES 5.5B.27 R does not apply the retention by the FOS Ltd of any case fee which has been paid would be inequitable, the FOS Ltd may (unless FEES 5.5B.29 R applies) refund all or part of that case fee.
FEES 5.5B.29RRP
The FOS Ltd may not consider a claim under FEES 5.5B.27 R and/or FEES 5.5B.28 G in respect of any amount overpaid due to a mistake of fact or law by the payer, if the claim is made by the payer more than 2 years after the beginning of the financial year to which the payment relates.
DISP 2.3.1RRP
7The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by a firm in carrying on one or more of the following activities:(1) regulated activities (other than auction regulation bidding );10(1A) payment services;7(1B) [deleted]1312(2) [deleted]11321132(3) lending money secured by a charge on land;(4) lending money (excluding restricted credit where that is not a credit-related regulated activity1132 );1132(5) paying money
DISP 2.3.2GRP
The Ombudsman can also consider under the Compulsory Jurisdiction:630630(1) as a result of the Ombudsman Transitional Order, a relevant existing complaint or a relevant new complaint that relates to an act or omission by a firm or an unauthorised person which was subject to a former scheme immediately before commencement; or(2) as a result of the Mortgages and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order, a relevant transitional complaint that relates to an act or omission
DISP 2.3.2-AGRP
1132In accordance with article 11 of the Regulated Activities Amendment Order, the Ombudsman can also consider under the Compulsory Jurisdiction:(1) a relevant existing credit-related complaint referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service before 1 April 2014 which was formerly being dealt with under the Consumer Credit Jurisdiction; and(2) a relevant new credit-related complaint referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service on or after 1 April 2014 which relates to an act or omission
DISP 2.3.2ARRP
7The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by a payment service provider in carrying on:(1) payment services; or(2) credit-related regulated activities;11321132or any ancillary activities, including advice, carried on by the payment service provider in connection with them.
DISP 2.3.2BRRP
931The Ombudsman can consider a complaint under the Compulsory Jurisdiction if it relates to an act or omission by an electronic money issuer in carrying on:(1) issuance of electronic money; or(2) credit-related regulated activities;11321132or any ancillary activities, including advice, carried on by the electronic money issuer in connection with them.
DISP 2.3.2CGRP
8As a result of section 404B(11) of the Act, the Ombudsman can also consider under the Compulsory Jurisdiction a complaint from a complainant who:(1) is not satisfied with a redress determination made by a respondent under a consumer redress scheme; or(2) considers that a respondent has failed to make a redress determination in accordance with a consumer redress scheme.
DISP 2.3.4RRP
A complaint about an authorisedprofessional firm cannot be handled under the Compulsory Jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service if it relates solely to a non-mainstream regulated activity and can be handled by a designated professional body.630
DISP 3.5.1RRP
The Ombudsman will attempt to resolve complaints at the earliest possible stage and by whatever means appear to him to be most appropriate, including mediation or investigation.15
DISP 3.5.2GRP
The Ombudsman may inform the complainant that it might be appropriate to complain against some other respondent.15
DISP 3.5.3GRP
Where two or more complaints from one complainant relate to connected circumstances, the Ombudsman may investigate them together, but will issue separate provisional assessments and determinations in respect of each respondent.1515
DISP 3.5.4RRP
If the Ombudsman decides that an investigation is necessary, he will then:(1) ensure both parties have been given an opportunity of making representations;(2) send both parties a provisional assessment, setting out his reasons and a time limit within which either party must respond; and(3) if either party indicates disagreement with the provisional assessment within that time limit, proceed to determination.15
DISP 3.5.9RRP
15The Ombudsman may:(1) exclude evidence that would otherwise be admissible in a court or include evidence that would not be admissible in a court;(2) accept information in confidence (so that only an edited version, summary or description is disclosed to the other party) where he considers it appropriate;(3) reach a decision on the basis of what has been supplied and take account of the failure by a party to provide information requested; and(4) treat the complaint as withdrawn
DISP 3.5.10GRP
15Evidence which the Ombudsman may accept in confidence includes confidential evidence about third parties and security information.
DISP 3.5.12GRP
15The Ombudsman may take into account evidence from third parties, including (but not limited to) the FCA6 , other regulators, experts in industry matters and experts in consumer matters.6
DISP 3.5.13RRP
15The Ombudsman may fix (and extend) time limits for any aspect of the consideration of a complaint by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 3.5.14RRP
15If a respondent fails to comply with a time limit, the Ombudsman may:(1) proceed with consideration of the complaint; and(2) include provision for any material distress or material inconvenience caused by that failure in any award which he decides to make.
DISP 3.5.15RRP
15If a complainant fails to comply with a time limit, the Ombudsman may:(1) proceed with consideration of the complaint; or(2) treat the complaint as withdrawn and cease to consider the merits.2727
DISP 3.2.1RRP
The Ombudsman will have regard to whether a complaint is out of jurisdiction.26
DISP 3.2.2RRP
Unless the respondent has already had eight weeks to consider the complaint or issued a final response, the Ombudsman will refer the complaint to the respondent (except where DISP 2.8.1R(4) applies).8268
DISP 3.2.2ARRP
7If the subject matter of a complaint falls to be dealt with by the respondent under a consumer redress scheme, and the time limits specified under the scheme for doing so have not yet expired, the Ombudsman will refer it to the respondent to be dealt with under the scheme (except where DISP 2.8.1R(4) applies).88
DISP 3.2.3RRP
Where the respondent alleges that the complaint is out of jurisdiction, the Ombudsman will give both parties an opportunity to make representations before he decides.2615151526
DISP 3.2.4RRP
Where the Ombudsman considers that the complaint may be out of jurisdiction, he will give the complainant an opportunity to make representations before he decides.2626
DISP 3.2.5RRP
Where the Ombudsman then decides that the complaint is out of jurisdiction, he will give reasons for that decision to the complainant and inform the respondent.2626
DISP 3.2.6RRP
Where the Ombudsman then decides that the complaint is not out of jurisdiction, he will inform the complainant and give reasons for that decision to the respondent.26
FEES 5.2.1GRP
Paragraph 9 of Schedule 17 to the Act (The Ombudsman Scheme) requires FOS Ltd to adopt an annual budget which has been approved by the FCA. The annual budget must distinguish between the costs of operating the Compulsory Jurisdiction and the Voluntary Jurisdiction. 3
FEES 5.2.2GRP
Section 234 of the Act (Industry Funding) enables the FCA to require the payment to it or to FOS Ltd, by firms or any class of firm, of specified amounts (or amounts calculated in a specified way) to cover the costs of: (1) the establishment of 1the Financial Ombudsman Service; and (2) its operation in relation to the Compulsory Jurisdiction.
FEES 5.2.3GRP
Paragraph 15 of Schedule 17 to the Act enables FOS Ltd to require firms subject to the Compulsory Jurisdiction and any other respondents to a complaint to pay specified fees to it in respect of complaints closed by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
FEES 5.2.4GRP
The Ombudsman Transitional Order provides for unauthorised persons to be charged fees in respect of any relevant complaints against them which the Financial Ombudsman Service handles.
FEES 5.2.5GRP
Paragraph 18 of Schedule 17 to the Act enables FOS Ltd to require VJ participants to pay to it such amounts at such times as it specifies in the standard terms.
FEES 5.2.6GRP
The relevant provisions of the rules in FEES 5 and FEES 2 will be applied to VJ participants through the standard terms made by FOS Ltd under paragraph 18 of Schedule 17 to the Act (see DISP 4).
FEES 5.2.7GRP
This chapter sets out the framework for the funding arrangements of the Financial Ombudsman Service, including, where relevant,25 the method by which fees will be calculated. Details of the actual fees payable will vary from year to year, depending on the annual budget of the Financial Ombudsman Service. These details will be set out in annexes 25to this chapter. New annexes25 will be prepared and consulted on for each financial year.2525
DISP 2.8.1RRP
19The Ombudsman can only consider a complaint if:(1) the respondent has already sent the complainant its final response ; or(2) eight weeks have elapsed since the respondent received the complaint; or3(3) in relation to a complaint the subject matter of which falls to be dealt with (or has properly been dealt with) under a consumer redress scheme:3(a) the respondent has already sent the complainant its redress determination under the scheme; or3(b) the respondent has failed to
DISP 2.8.2RRP
19The Ombudsman cannot consider a complaint if the complainant refers it to the Financial Ombudsman Service:(1) more than six months after the date on which the respondent sent the complainant its final response or redress determination or summary resolution communication; or3(2) more than: (a) six years after the event complained of; or (if later)(b) three years from the date on which the complainant became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) that he had cause for
DISP 2.8.2ARRP
411If a respondent consents to the Ombudsman considering a complaint in accordance with DISP 2.8.2 R (5), the respondent may not withdraw consent.
DISP 2.8.3GRP
19The six-month time limit is only triggered by a response which is a final response orredress determination . The response 411must tell the complainant about the six-month time limit that the complainant has to refer a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.411411
DISP 2.8.7RRP
(1) 19If a complaint relates to the sale of an endowment policy for the purpose of achieving capital repayment of a mortgage and the complainant receives a letter from a firm or a VJ participant warning that there is a high risk that the policy will not, at maturity, produce a sum large enough to repay the target amount then, subject to (2), (3), (4) and (5):(a) time for referring a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service starts to run from the date the complainant receives
DISP 4.2.1RRP
A VJ participant is subject to these standard terms, which may be amended or supplemented by the Financial Ombudsman Service with the approval of the FCA21.31821
DISP 4.2.3RRP
The following rules and guidance apply to VJ participants as part of the standard terms, except where the context requires otherwise:(1) DISP 1 (Treating complainants4fairly), except:4(a) DISP 1.94(Complaints record rule);4(b) DISP 1.104(Complaints reporting rules);84(ba) DISP 1.10A (Complaints data publication rules); and8(c) DISP 1.114(Lloyd's);4(2) DISP 2 (Jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service), except:(a) DISP 2.3 (Compulsory Jurisdiction); and(3) DISP 3 (Complaint
DISP 4.2.4RRP
The Ombudsman has the same powers to make determinations and awards under the Voluntary Jurisdiction as he has under the Compulsory Jurisdiction (see DISP 3.7 (Awards by the Ombudsman)).318
DISP 4.2.5RRP
If the complainant accepts the Ombudsman's determination within the time limit specified by the Ombudsman, the determination will be binding on the VJ Participant and may be enforced in court by the complainant.318318
DISP 4.2.6RRP
The following rules in FEES apply to VJ participants as part of the standard terms, but substituting 'VJ participant' for 'firm':(1) FEES 2.2.1 R (late payment) but substituting 'FOS Ltd' for 'the FCA';2121(2) FEES 2.3.1 R and 2.3.2 R (remission of fees);(3) FEES 4.2.6 R (1)(b) (periodic fees);(4) FEES 5.3.6 R (general levy) but substituting:(a) 'Voluntary Jurisdiction' for 'Compulsory Jurisdiction' ; and(b) 'FOS Ltd' for 'the FCA';2121(5) FEES 5.3.8 R (calculation of general
DISP 4.2.7RRP
A VJ participant may not withdraw from the Voluntary Jurisdiction unless:(1) the VJ participant has submitted to FOS Ltd a written plan for:(a) notifying its existing customers of its intention to withdraw; and(b) handling complaints against it before its withdrawal;(2) the VJ participant has paid the general levy for the year in which it withdraws and any other fees payable; and(3) FOS Ltd has approved in writing both the VJ Participant's plan and the date of withdrawal (which
DISP 4.2.8RRP
None of the following is to be liable in damages for anything done or omitted to be done in the discharge (or purported discharge) of any functions in connection with the Voluntary Jurisdiction:318(1) FOS Ltd;(2) any member of its governing body;(3) any member of its staff;(4) any person acting as an Ombudsman for the purposes of the Financial Ombudsman Service;except where:(5) the act or omission is shown to have been in bad faith; or(6) it would prevent an award of damages being
DISP 1.11.3RRP
The Society must take reasonable steps to ensure that complaints by policyholders against members of the Society are dealt with under the Lloyd's complaint procedures and that members comply with the requirements of those procedures.
DISP 1.11.4RRP
A complaint by a policyholder against a member of the Society may not be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service until after the Lloyd's complaint procedures have been completed or until after the end of eight weeks from receipt of the complaint, whichever is the earlier.
DISP 1.11.5RRP
(1) A notification claiming exemption under DISP 1.1.12 R from the complaints reporting rules and the rules relating to the funding of the Financial Ombudsman Service must be given to the FCA by the Society on behalf of any member eligible for an exemption. (2) The Society must notify the FCA if the conditions relating to such an exemption no longer apply to a member who is exempt.
DISP 1.11.9GRP
Members will individually comply with this chapter if and only if all complaints by policyholders against members are dealt with under the Lloyd's complaints procedures. Accordingly, certain of the obligations under this chapter, for example the obligation to report on complaints received and the obligation to pay fees under the rules relating to the funding of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FEES 5), must be complied with by the Society on behalf of members. Managing agents
DISP 1.11.11GRP
Complaints from members of the Society regarding the activities of members' advisers, which cannot be resolved by the members' adviser, cannot be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 1.11.12GRP
The Financial Ombudsman Service is not able to deal with the complaints listed in DISP 1.11.13 R and separate rules and guidance are therefore required.
DISP 1.11.20GRP
When considering what is required to ensure the operational independence of the schemes referred to in DISP 1.11.13 R, or proposed changes in such schemes, the Society should take account of similar arrangements operated by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 3.6.1RRP
The Ombudsman will determine a complaint by reference to what is, in his opinion, fair and reasonable in all the circumstances of the case.1717
DISP 3.6.3GRP
Where a complainant makes complaints against more than one respondent in respect of connected circumstances, the Ombudsman may determine that the respondents must contribute towards the overall award in the proportion that the Ombudsman considers appropriate.17
DISP 3.6.5GRP
17Where the Ombudsman is determining what is fair and reasonable in all the circumstances of a relevant new complaint or a relevant transitional complaint, the Ombudsman Transitional Order and the Mortgage and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order require him to take into account what determination the former Ombudsman might have been expected to reach in relation to an equivalent complaint dealt with under the former scheme in question immediately before the relevant
DISP 3.6.5AGRP
8As a result of section 404B of the Act, if the subject matter of a complaint falls to be dealt with (or has properly been dealt with) under a consumer redress scheme, the Ombudsman will determine the complaint by reference to what, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, the redress determination under the consumer redress scheme should be or should have been, unless the complainant and the respondent agree that the complaint should not be dealt with in accordance with the consumer
DISP 3.6.6RRP
17When the Ombudsman9 has determined a complaint:9(1) the Ombudsman will give both parties a signed written statement of the determination, giving the reasons for it;(2) the statement will require the complainant to notify the Ombudsman ,9 before the date specified in the statement, whether he accepts or rejects the determination;(3) if the complainant notifies the Ombudsman that he accepts the determination within that time limit, it is final and binding on both parties;(4)
DISP 3.6.7RRP
(1) 9An Ombudsman may correct any clerical mistake in the written statement of an Ombudsman's determination, whether or not the determination has already been accepted or rejected.(2) Any failure to comply with any provisions of the procedural rules made by the FOS Ltd does not of itself render an Ombudsman's determination void.
DISP 3.6.8GRP
(1) 9The FOS Ltd will publish a report of any Ombudsman's determination, save that if the Ombudsman who made the determination informs the FOS Ltd that, in the Ombudsman's opinion, it is inappropriate to publish a report of that determination (or any part of it), the FOS Ltd will not publish a report of that determination (or that part, as appropriate).(2) Unless the complainant agrees, a report will not include the name of the complainant, or particulars which (in the opinion
DISP 3.1.1GRP
The purpose of this chapter is to set out:(1) the procedures of the Financial Ombudsman Service for investigating and determining complaints;(2) the basis on which the Ombudsman makes decisions; and(3) the awards which the Ombudsman can make.49
DISP 3.1.3RRP
Where the respondent is a partnership (or former partnership), it is sufficient for the Ombudsman to communicate with one partner (or former partner).49
DISP 3.1.4GRP
The Ombudsman Transitional Order requires the Financial Ombudsman Service to complete the handling of relevant existing complaints, in a significant number of respects, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant former scheme rather than in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.49
DISP 3.1.5RRP
This chapter applies to the Ombudsman and to respondents.49
DISP 1.1.1GRP
638This chapter contains rules and guidance on how respondents should deal promptly and fairly with complaints in respect of business carried on from establishments in the United Kingdom,11 by certain branches of firms in the EEA or by certain EEA firms carrying out activities in the United Kingdom under the freedom to provide cross border services.11 It is also relevant to those who may wish to make a complaint or refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 1.1.9AGRP
10The scope of this sourcebook does not include:(1) a complaint about pre-commencement investment business which was regulated by a recognised professional body (those complaints will be handled under the arrangements of that professional body); or(2) a complaint about the administration of an occupational pension scheme, because this is not a regulated activity (firms should refer complainants to the Pensions Advisory Service rather than to the Financial Ombudsman Service).
DISP 1.1.12RRP
(1) A firm, payment service provider8 or electronic money issuer1340 falling within the Compulsory Jurisdiction which does not conduct business with eligible complainants and has no reasonable likelihood of doing so, can, by written notification to the FCA , claim exemption from the rules relating to the funding of the Financial Ombudsman Service, and from the remainder of this chapter.1340(2) Notwithstanding (1):11(a) the complaints handling rules and complaints record rule
DISP 1.1.16GRP
Although VJ participants are not required to comply with the complaints record rule, it is in their interest to retain records of complaints so that these can be used to assist the Financial Ombudsman Service should it be necessary.1741
FEES 5.3.1GRP
Each financial year, the FCA and FOS Ltd will consult on the amount of the annual budget19of the Financial Ombudsman Service which is to be raised by the general levy. 19
FEES 5.3.3GRP
The FCA will determine, following consultation, the amount to be raised from each industry block. This will be based on the budgeted costs and numbers of Financial Ombudsman Service staff required to deal with the volume of complaints which the Financial Ombudsman Service expects to receive about the firms in each industry block. Modified arrangements have been made for certain types of small firms (see FEES 5.5.3 R to FEES 5.5.5 G).
FEES 5.3.6RRP
A firm must pay to the FCA a general levy towards the costs of operating the Compulsory Jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service.
FEES 5.3.7GRP
Under the standard terms, VJ participants will be required to pay to FOS Ltd an amount calculated on a similar basis towards the costs of operating the Voluntary Jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service, see FEES 5 Annex 2R210. FOS Ltd will be responsible for invoicing and collecting this amount.
FEES 2.2.1RRP
If a person does not pay the total amount of a periodic fee3, FOS levy, or share of the FSCS levy or CFEB levy6, before2 the end of the2 date on which it is due, under the relevant provision in FEES 4, 5, 6 or 7, 6that person must pay an additional amount as follows: 342972326(1) if the fee was not paid in full before the end of the due date, an administrative fee of £250; plus(2) interest on any unpaid part of the fee at the rate of 5% per annum above the Official Bank Rate10
FEES 2.2.2GRP
The FCA22, (for FCA and PRA22periodic fees, FOS and FSCS levies and CFEB levies), expects11 to issue invoices at least 30 days before the date on which the relevant amounts fall due. Accordingly it will generally be the case that a person will have at least 30 days from the issue of the invoice before an administrative fee becomes payable.226723117232
FEES 2.2.3GRP
Paragraphs 23(8) of Schedule 1ZA and paragraphs 31(7) of Schedule 1ZB of the Act permit the FCA and PRA respectively to recover fees (including in respect of the FCA,11 fees relating to payment services,5 the issuance of electronic money, fees relating to CBTL firms24 and, where relevant, FOS levies and CFEB levies6), and section 213(6) permits the FSCS to recover shares of the FSCS levy payable, as a debt owed to the FCAPRA and FSCS respectively, and the FCA , PRA and FSCS, as
FEES 2.2.4GRP
In addition, the appropriate regulator may be entitled to take regulatory action in relation to the non-payment of fees,6FOS levies and CFEB levies. The appropriate regulator6 may also take regulatory action in relation to the non-payment of FOS case fees or 723 a723 share of the FSCS levy, after reference of the matter to the6appropriate regulator by the6FSCS. What action (if any) that is taken by the appropriate regulator will be decided upon in the light of the particular
DISP 3.3.1RRP
Where the Ombudsman considers that the complaint may be one which should be dismissed without consideration of the merits, he will give the complainant an opportunity to make representations before he decides.29
DISP 3.3.2RRP
Where the Ombudsman then decides that the complaint should be dismissed without consideration of the merits, he will give reasons to the complainant for that decision and inform the respondent.29
DISP 3.3.3GRP
Under the Ombudsman Transitional Order and the Mortgage and General Insurance Complaints Transitional Order, where the Ombudsman is dealing with a relevant complaint, he must take into account whether an equivalent complaint would have been dismissed without consideration of its merits under the former scheme in question, as it had effect immediately before the relevant transitional order came into effect.2929
DISP 3.3.4RRP
The Ombudsman may dismiss a complaint413referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service before 9 July 2015 413without considering its merits if 413the Ombudsman413considers that:5(1) the complainant has not suffered (or is unlikely to suffer) financial loss, material distress or material inconvenience; or(2) the complaint is frivolous or vexatious; or(3) the complaint clearly does not have any reasonable prospect of success; or(4) the respondent has already made an offer of compensation
DISP 3.3.4ARRP
413The Ombudsman may dismiss a complaint referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service on or after 9 July 2015 without considering its merits if the Ombudsman considers that:(1) the complaint is frivolous or vexatious; or(2) the subject matter of the complaint has been dealt with, or is being dealt with, by a comparable ADR entity; or(3) the subject matter of the complaint has been the subject of court proceedings where there has been a decision on the merits; or(4) the subject
FEES 12.2.1RRP
FOS Ltd must pay the FOS ADR levy:(1) in full and without deduction; and(2) in accordance with this chapter.
FEES 12.2.2RRP
(1) The FCA will raise the FOS ADR levy annually in arrears. (2) The FCA will invoice FOS Ltd in April for the FOS ADR levy relating to the previous fee year.(3) FOS Ltd must pay the FOS ADR levy within 30 days of the date of the invoice.
FEES 12.2.3RRP
The FOS ADR levy is calculated as follows:(1) Determine the number of hours, or part of an hour, taken by the FCA, in performing functions under the ADR Regulations.(2) Using the table at FEES 3 Annex 9R(11), determine the relevant pay grades of those employed by the FCA to perform the functions under the ADR Regulations.(3) Next, multiply the applicable rate in the table at FEES 3 Annex 9R(11) by the number of hours or part hours obtained under (1).(4) Then add any fees and disbursements
FEES 12.2.5GRP
The obligation to pay the FOS ADR levy is ongoing.
FEES 5.1.1-AGRP
718Whilst no rule made by the FCA in this chapter applies to VJ participants, some of the guidance may do. The application of rules made by the FOS Ltd in this chapter is set out in FEES 5.5A and described in FEES 5.1.2 AG.8
FEES 5.1.1BRRP
718FEES 5.1.1A R does not apply to FEES 5.5A or FEES 5 Annex 2R or Annex 3R unless otherwise stated in rules made by the FOS Ltd.
FEES 5.1.2GRP
The rules set out in the table under FEES 5.1.2 AG are made by the FOS Ltd. All other FEES 5 rules are made by the FCA.718718
FEES 5.1.2AGRP

718Table of rules made by the FOS Ltd

FEES 5 rules made by the FOS Ltd

Description

FEES 5.5A

Rules relating to case fees

FEES 5 Annex 2R

Annual Levy Payable in Relation to the Voluntary Jurisdiction

FEES 5 Annex 3R

Case Fees Payable

FEES 5.1.7GRP
The purpose of this chapter is to set out the requirements on firms to pay annual fees (through a general levy invoiced and collected by the FCA on behalf of FOS Ltd) and case fees (invoiced and collected directly by FOS Ltd) in order to fund the operation of the Financial Ombudsman Service.This Chapter4 also provides for unauthorised persons to pay case fees to FOS Ltd in respect of any relevant complaints which it handles.44
DISP 3.8.1RRP
In dealing with information received in relation to the consideration of a complaint, the Financial Ombudsman Service will have regard to the parties' rights of privacy.24
DISP 3.8.2BRRP
24This does not prevent the Ombudsman disclosing information:(1) to the extent that he is required or authorised to do so by law; or(2) to the parties to the complaint; or(3) in his determination; or(4) at a hearing in connection with the complaint.
DISP 3.8.3RRP
So long as he has regard to the parties' rights of privacy, the Ombudsman may disclose information to the FCA5 or any other body exercising regulatory or statutory functions for the purpose of assisting that body or the Financial Ombudsman Service to discharge its functions.245
FEES 2.1.1RRP
621Except to the extent referred to in FEES 2.1.1A R, this1621120 chapter applies to every person who is required to pay a fee or share of a levy to the appropriate regulator, FOS Ltd or FSCS, as the case may be, by a provision of the Handbook.
FEES 2.1.1ARRP
621This chapter does not apply in relation to:88(1) FEES 5.5A; or8(2) FEES 5 Annex 2R; or8(3) FEES 5 Annex 3R; or8(4) a PSR fee8; or9(5) the pensions guidance levy; or10910(6) the pensions guidance providers’ levy; or1110(7) 11the FOS ADR levy.
FEES 2.1.5GRP
Paragraph 23 of Schedule 1ZA18 of2 the Act,7regulation 92 of the Payment Services Regulations, 22 regulation 59 of the Electronic Money Regulations7and article 25(a) of the MCD Order22 enable the FCA18 to charge fees to cover its costs and expenses in carrying out its functions. The corresponding provisions for the FSCS levy ,5FOS levies and CFEB levies5 are set out in FEES 6.1,5FEES 5.2 and FEES 7.1.4 G5 respectively. Case fees payable to the FOS Ltd are set out in FEES 5.5B.
FEES 2.1.7GRP
The key components of the appropriate regulator fee mechanism (excluding the FSCS5levy, the FOS5 levy and case fees, and the CFEB levy5which are dealt with in FEES 5,5FEES 6 and FEES 7)5 are:555(1) a funding requirement derived from:(a) the appropriate regulator's financial management and reporting framework;(b) the appropriate regulator's budget; and(c) adjustments for audited variances between budgeted and actual expenditure in the previous accounting year, and reserves movements
DISP 1.4.2GRP
Factors that may be relevant in the assessment of a complaint under DISP 1.4.1R (2) include the following:59(1) all the evidence available and the particular circumstances of the complaint;(2) similarities with other complaints received by the respondent;(3) relevant guidance published by the FCA , other relevant regulators, the Financial Ombudsman Service or former schemes; and(4) appropriate analysis of decisions by the Financial Ombudsman Service concerning similar complaints
DISP 1.4.3GRP
The respondent should aim to resolve complaints at the earliest possible opportunity, minimising the number of unresolved complaints which need to be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
DISP 1.4.4RRP
Where a complaint against a respondent is referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service, the respondent must cooperate fully with the Financial Ombudsman Service and comply promptly with any settlements or awards made by it.1