The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is set to raise case fees and levies for 2026/27, launching a consultation on its plans and budget.
Fees are going up for the first time in three years but will still come in below 2023/24 rates.
The service expects to receive around 188,000 cases in 2026/27, covering financial products like bank accounts, credit cards and insurance.
It is aiming to resolve 245,000 cases, including 60,000 related to motor finance commission.
Complaints about buy now pay later products are expected to start coming in from July 2026, with an estimated 2,000 cases around administration, credit files and perceived irresponsible lending.
The ombudsman is working with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and HM Treasury on reforms to the redress system, aiming to help firms resolve issues earlier and bring more consistency for businesses and customers.
Most changes are expected to happen over the next two years.
Jenny Simmonds, interim CEO at the FOS, said: “We are delivering a series of improvements to focus on our core purpose as a quick, informal and impartial alternative to the courts, now and in the future, helping to build confidence in financial services.
“As we consult on our Plans and Budget for 2026/27, we want to lay the foundations for an agile, responsive and modern Financial Ombudsman which is fit for the future and has the confidence of consumers and financial businesses alike.
“The next year will be a crucial one for our service and we welcome views from stakeholders on our proposals.”
The consultation is open until 21st January 2026.
