People may be missing out on compensation due to their complaints being ignored

According to Ombudsman Services, which resolves issues lasting for more than eight weeks, more than 300,000 problems were submitted last year.

But, the services’ Consumer Action Monitor revealed at least 350,000 more complaints about suppliers or firms were left unresolved.

During the last year, people made 381 complaints about their energy suppliers alone, which was an increase of 14 per cent since 2014.

The company also recorded a further 229 concerns about communications firms.

Lewis Shand Smith, chief ombudsman, is encouraging people to not be put off voicing their concerns.

He said: “We’re still seeing consumers ignore millions of problems each year because they’d rather suffer in silence than go through the perceived hassle of complaining – but it’s not as complex and time-consuming as they might think.

“At a time when it is becoming more expensive to take court action, alternative dispute resolution, including ombudsmen, is an important and growing part of the civil justice system as a whole.

“Complaining doesn’t have to mean making a fuss – there’s help out there and we would encourage anyone with an issue to come forward.”

For any complaints about services, visit: https://www.ombudsman-services.org/