FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS

IF YOU need to raise a formal complaint about a financial services company, there is a protocol to follow.

Start with the company that has caused you grief. Once a company has your complaint, under official rules it has eight weeks to respond.

After this, you can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Put your case in writing and send it recorded delivery. Send photocopies of any paperwork.

It can be daunting to start a complaint, but there will be a formal complaints procedure, so check on the website, or ask a member of staff. If you are concerned about how to approach your complaint, the Financial Ombudsman Service offers guidance. It has the power to award compensation.

There are many other bodies related to money and bills if you need to complain. The Energy Ombudsman covers problems with gas and electricity suppliers. The Legal Ombudsman deals with law professionals and the Property Ombudsman deals with complaints about estate agents. Or try the free online dispute service Resolver ( resolver.co.uk).