The overall level of complaints concerning FSA-registered firms has increased by 2% to 1.51 million since the second half of 2008.

Complaints about general insurance and pure protection increased by 19% to 334,443 giving an overall increase of 72% since the second half of 2006. This category includes complaints about payment protection insurance.

Complaints about arrears handling increased 41% to 39,181 and complaints about misleading advice increased 19% to 207,967. Meanwhile complaints about delays fell by 23% to 117,774.

The proportion of complaints dealt with in over eight weeks increased from 10% to 11%. This was largely attributable to complaints to banks and general insurance intermediaries.

The proportion of complaints upheld by firms fell from 40% to 38%. This was largely attributable to a fall in the number of complaints upheld by banks, the FSA said.