Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017

49.

Staying of court proceedings

49. Where—

(a) a complaint has been made to the Ombudsman, and

(b) any party to the complaint subsequently commences proceedings in any court against any other party to the complaint in respect of any of the matters which are the subject of the complaint,

then, any party to the proceedings may at any time after an appearance has been entered, and before delivering any pleadings or taking any other steps in the proceedings, apply to the court to stay the proceedings and the court, if it is satisfied that—

(i) there is no sufficient reason why the matter in respect of which the said proceedings have been commenced should not be investigated by the Ombudsman, and

(ii) the party that commenced the proceedings was at the time when the proceedings were commenced and still remains ready and willing to do all things necessary for the proper conduct of the investigation,

shall make an order staying the proceedings.