Natalie Ceeney, chief executive and chief ombudsman, said this was often the result of people having problems when they come off cheaper mortgage deals and find their interest payments rising.
Commenting, she said: “At a time when family finances and job security are under more pressure than ever, the volumes of complaints referred to us by consumers have risen significantly in some key areas.
“For example, complaints about debt collection are up 25% on last year. And mortgage complaints are up over 35% - as often more people face problems when they come off cheaper mortgage deals and find their interest payments rising.”
She said that many consumers are finding themselves in financial difficulty for the first time - and it can be very tough emotionally for some people to admit they're in trouble. She said that in the letters sent in to FOS people are getting a lot more emotional and angry about their cases.
“As life gets tougher, settling disputes gets harder. But this just means that people need us more than ever - to make difficult decisions on complex cases in a difficult, complex world.”
