MSE News: Ombudsman to stop handling housing

Former_MSE_Megan_F

Ombudsman Services is to stop taking property complaints after claiming it can only offer a "broken solution to a broken market"...

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'Ombudsman to stop handling housing complaints'

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olip74

Very interested to read about this, having been previously unaware of these developments. I used the Ombudsman Services: Property in 2014 and was very unhappy with the entire process. I ended up taking my surveyor to court, and winning, the boring details can be found here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5041604

Since that time I've petitioned my previous MP, my MSP and my latest MP to raise the matter in parliament. It is only the most recent of communications that have engendered any kind of response however, to his credit, Iain Gray recently raised the matter with Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing. I have had a response from Annabelle Ewing, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, who has inquired of RICS "what approach they plan to take to consumer dispute resolution now that Ombudsman Services are withdrawing from offering alternative dispute resolution services in relation to complaints handling in the property sector."

On the one hand I'm pleased that OS:P will withdraw as it was not fit for purpose, it's good that they have recognised this. However I fear that RICS will simply advise that its members should join one of the alternative dispute resolution services. I also feel I've been banging my head on a wall for years only to be overtaken by events, though it's perhaps because of enough people like me that a groundswell for action has begun.

What more can I do at this point? Any suggestions welcome. For one, I'll write back to Iain Gray and highlight the MSE articles and forum.

80934

Here is the link to the online consultation:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-consumer-redress-in-housing