In case you are worried that I, or the Ombudsman, have dozed off; fear not.

The Ombudsman has been away on a brief holiday; given the number of people complaining, I am not surprised!

Whilst waiting, I have added some useful links to the menu bar on the left.

Please let me know if there are any other organisations that you would like me to add.

Extract of an email received from the Ombudsman today:

"...Thank you for you letter of 28 September 2003.

I am in the process of reviewing your comments and I have been unable to trace your file relating to your complaint about the policy taken out in 1987. I would be grateful if you could let me have our file reference for this complaint if you have a record of this. Was this complaint actually against A or an Independent Advisor?...."

I dropped them a note with the relevant info.

I received an e mail today from a visitor, who has spent almost two years pursuing a claim for redress.

By all accounts the complaint was turned down a number of times before being upheld.

It then took half a year to receive an offer of compensation.

Those of you who are pursuing your own cases, and feel that it is taking forever, should take heart from the fact that you are not alone. However, it does seem to be a lengthy process; and you need exceptional patience.