Overend pleased to offer constituents finanical advice

Sandra, who is the Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson on the Economy, commented, “I was recently pleased to be able to send a member of my constituency staff to a workshop on the role of the Financial Ombudsman Service, organised by the Consumer Council. The workshop provided useful information on the services provided by the Financial Ombudsman, a body which provides a free and independent service to settle disputes between consumers and financial firms. They have the power to investigate a wide range of financial matters.

“It covered various topics, including the Ombudsman’s approach to dealing with complaints, and advice relating to pertinent issues which can have a big impact on people’s lives, such as payment protection insurance, payday loans and the recent computer troubles experienced by local bank consumers.”

Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, explained, “The Consumer Council has a responsibility to educate consumers on their rights so that they can effectively pursue complaints. We were delighted to host this workshop to help advisers learn more about the Financial Ombudsman Service, so that they in turn are better equipped to assist consumers with their enquiries about financial service problems.”

Sandra concluded: “Advice on financial disputes, and the role that the Financial Ombudsman Service can play to help resolve these, is just a small part of the constituency service that I provide in Mid-Ulster. If you believe that the Financial Ombudsman can help you, or have any other concerns that I can help you with, then please do not hesitate to contact my office on 028 86748090.”