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natwest refused hardship

Hi,

I recently wrote to claim back charges from Natwest under the hardship criteria. Natwest sent I&E form which was completed and sent back with demand letters. Currently i am behind on gas bill and Council tax in terms of priority debt. I am over my authorised overdraft and had to switch my salary to a different account as payment was being eaten up

I really thought they would refund the charges so it was a bit of a shock to get the refusal letter. I am currently writing another letter to Natwest and also letting them know that i was disappointed with their decisions and that i will be forwarding my complaint to the FOS.

I was wondering if i should maybe offer to forgo the intrest that i was seeking and that if they were to give the refund they could cancel the overdraft and give me whats left after the overdraft.

I would be greatful for any advice, i hope to write to them very soon.

Comments

  • esmerellda
    esmerellda Posts: 2,237 Forumite
    Do you have priority debts (such as rent / mortgage arrears / council tax / utilities)

    Has there been any major change of circumstances which have pushed you into difficulties ?

    Have you told your bank the account is in dispute and have you made a monthly repayment arrangement with them for the debt outstanding ?
    LegalBeagles
  • BigNige
    BigNige Posts: 226 Forumite
    doesnt sound like a strong enough case for financial hardship but definitely keep pushing them as you should be paid back

    The FoS take a dim view of financial hardship rejections if the customer is experiencing difficulty. Be prepared for a long wait through the FoS?

    Good luck
    Total Reclaimed from banks and credit cards so far: £14139 :T
    Amount outstanding £550 :beer:
  • natweststaffmember
    natweststaffmember Posts: 12,063 Forumite
    iman06 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I recently wrote to claim back charges from Natwest under the hardship criteria. Natwest sent I&E form which was completed and sent back with demand letters. Currently i am behind on gas bill and Council tax in terms of priority debt. I am over my authorised overdraft and had to switch my salary to a different account as payment was being eaten up

    I really thought they would refund the charges so it was a bit of a shock to get the refusal letter. I am currently writing another letter to Natwest and also letting them know that i was disappointed with their decisions and that i will be forwarding my complaint to the FOS.

    I was wondering if i should maybe offer to forgo the intrest that i was seeking and that if they were to give the refund they could cancel the overdraft and give me whats left after the overdraft.

    I would be greatful for any advice, i hope to write to them very soon.

    I think you have kinda answered amethyst's question on the Priority debt arrears side. Are there any payment plans in place to pay off the arrears with the priority creditors ie council tax and gas bill?
    When you completed the income and expenditure form did it show a surplus or a negative?
    Was the natwest letter a final response letter?
    I have not worked for NatWest Bank since February 2009

    This username is no longer active.
  • iman06
    iman06 Posts: 4 Newbie
    Thanks all for your replies,

    Has there been any major change of circumstances which have pushed you into difficulties ?
    yes. Started a business Dec 2007 which did not even last 6 months, forced to close store. Borrowed heavily from friends and families. Paid back what i could whenever friend and family made request. Paid out of my own salary from my regular employment. this is how most of the mess occurred.

    Stated all this in my initial letter and also letter accompanying natwest I&E.

    Are there any payment plans in place to pay off the arrears with the priority creditors ie council tax and gas bill?
    Had payment plan for both gas and council tax but have been unable to keep up with them. This was due to as explained above i was paying back friends and relatives money which i had borrowed to open business initially. I did not want to risk jeopardizing my relationship with them.

    When you completed the income and expenditure form did it show a surplus or a negative?
    It had a negative 300 pounds. Interestingly when i called to get update by phone i was told i had surplus. Which makes me come to the conclusion that they didn't look at the application that well. The lady was not able to help me anymore than that, just kept saying i needed to wait for the letter and i can appeal the decision.

    Was the natwest letter a final response letter?
    Letter said that if my circumstances changed or i had additional information to give then i can do this and they will review this. I gave them everything that i thought necessary to back up what i said, i don't know what else i can send.

    I am in a very desperate situation and like i said, i would forgo the interest that i was initially seeking and also pay off my overdraft with them.
  • natweststaffmember
    natweststaffmember Posts: 12,063 Forumite
    without paying friends and relatives is the I&E form negative or positive?
    I have not worked for NatWest Bank since February 2009

    This username is no longer active.
  • iman06
    iman06 Posts: 4 Newbie
    without paying friends and relatives is the I&E form negative or positive?


    yes, by about 300 pounds.
  • natweststaffmember
    natweststaffmember Posts: 12,063 Forumite
    Can you get them to send you a final response with their reasons for rejecting your hardship claim and we can work on it once you have it
    I have not worked for NatWest Bank since February 2009

    This username is no longer active.
  • tomtita1
    tomtita1 Posts: 18 Forumite
    hi iman06 . im in the same boat i think so not looking to good for me either !

    im basically in the negative figures of = total income £1360
    =total expend £1784 negative of £425.00

    i also have to find £ 550.00
    to meet my priority debts (payments
    to various baillifs/ solliciters which
    by my maths is a negative of

    £975.00 fingers crossed eh !!

    regards t
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