News | Ombudsman Services

Putting consumers before competition

As an ombudsman, part of our long-term mission is to help reduce and ultimately end consumer detriment. That’s why we were encouraged by the UK competition watchdog’s recent announcement that it wants to put consumers at the heart of the competition regime.

Ofcom update: Broadband speeds from 1 March 2019

Residential and business customers purchasing broadband from 1 March 2019 are set to benefit from a revision of Ofcom codes of practice - but it’s not compulsory for providers to sign up.

Three Mobile chooses Ombudsman Services for dispute resolution

Mobile network operator Three has made Ombudsman Services its third-party alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider for a further two years, following a competitive tender process.

Energy supplier One Select ceases to trade

One Select, an energy supplier with about 36,000 domestic customers, has ceased to trade.

Energy regulator Ofgem says it will choose a new supplier as quickly as possible to take on One Select’s customers.

Vickers confirmed as head of Ombudsman Services

The new head of the UK’s largest multi-sector ombudsman says the organisation is modernising and innovating in order to stay relevant to consumers and businesses.

Matthew Vickers has been confirmed as chief executive and chief ombudsman at Ombudsman Services, succeeding Lewis Shand-Smith who is standing down after 10 years.

Spark Energy ceases trading: our advice to consumers

Spark Energy Supply Limited, a domestic energy supplier with about 290,000 customers, has ceased trading.

Statement on the collapse of Extra Energy

Extra Energy, an energy supplier with around 108,000 domestic and 21,000 business customers, has ceased trading.

Ofgem confirms energy price cap

Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will come into force on 1 January 2019.

The cap will be set at £1,137 per year for a typical dual fuel customer paying by direct debit, offering price protection for 11 million consumers on poor value default tariffs.

Vulnerability: one definition to rule them all?

Vulnerability was one of the main discussion points at the fringe event we held at the Conservative Party conference earlier this month.

The debate focused on how best to define, identify and serve vulnerable consumers.

Ombudsman Services takes seat on government-backed housing group

Ombudsman Services is part of a new working group of housing experts tasked by the government with helping to raise standards across the property agent sector.