More than half of complaints againstBritain’s banks are now being settled in favour of the consumer, according to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

The main gripe was the continuing rise in the number of people complaining about their purchase of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), with cases relating to it now accounting for more than half of the ombudsman’s workload.

PPI is supposed to come into operation if the person who is buying a product is unable to pay for it because, for instance, they lose their job or become ill. The FOS says there was a big increase in the number of disputes being upheld in favour of consumers, with the ombudsman finding against financial services firms in 53% of cases.

The Chief ombudsman said: “The latest set of complaints data continues to show that, while some financial businesses are improving the way they handle their customers’ complaints, some regrettably are not.”

Complaints are only referred to the ombudsman by consumers if they are not happy with the response they receive from the individual firm.

Sally Bowyer, Managing Director of Brunel Franklin said: “Everyone accepts that banks provide a valuable service and are entitled to make fair and reasonable charges for services. But people shouldn’t be sold PPI without being furnished with the full facts. PPI mis-selling cases serve as timely reminder of how careful we all need to be when taking out new loans and other credit card agreements.”

Learn more about PPI refunds and find out if you could apply for a refund today! Visit the website www.brunelfranklin.com or call Brunel Franklin, free, on 0800 051 54 51.