Request for information regarding FCA complaints - December 2021


Reference Case Number: FOI8849

Freedom of Information: Right to know request:

Multiple questions regarding information on FCA complaints. 

1. How many complaints are being referred to the alternative Complaints Commissioner.
2. How many have been reviewed to date.
3. How many are to be reviewed prior to submission of (named individual’s case)?
4. The number of complaints awaiting referral to the alternative Complaints Commissioner
5. The date that the FCA started to instigate procedures for an alternative Complaints
Commissioner
6. How many complaints re the FCA’s oversight of the FOS has your team notified to
the Oversight Committee since 2016, if not held from 2016, please, provide any data
available.

FCA response:

Please note, we have interpreted this request for information relevant to the “alternative Complaints Commissioner” to be a reference to the current arrangement with Mr Roger Best, a solicitor nominated by the President of the Law Society in accordance with paragraph 4.6 of the Complaints Scheme, to consider Stage 2 complaint referrals where the Complaints Commissioner, Amerdeep Somal, has advised she may have a conflict of interest and therefore should not consider the referral. This explanation is provided to confirm that Mr Best is not formally appointed as an ‘alternative Complaints Commissioner’ but is acting as a solicitor alternate, in accordance with those Scheme provisions that apply if the Commissioner cannot act.

This data relates to the 2-year period from October 2019 to October 2021. Data is not held for the period prior to October 2019.