Advice on "Customer Statement Form"

RNW2

Hi,

My partner has recently put in a claim for a unfair bank charges. As she is struggling to cope with her current level of debt she has, on many occations, been hit with charge on top of charge. As a result of this the debt has snowballed and now she's struggling to get by. Due to this situation she has claimed hardship so that the bank deal with the issue before it becomes completely out of control.

Her bank (RBS) has recently sent her a letter asking her for details of her hardship which includes a "Customer Financial Statement". This statement asks for details of not only her income but mine also. We live together and are due to be married next year :j.

So.... Here are my questions.

1. On the form they ask for her expenditure details. We split all the bills down the middle so should she be putting half the amount for the mortgage, gas, elec etc or should she put the full amount? Initially I though it would be half until I realised that they wanted my income too (I'm broke too by the way ). If they want to know my income too then shouldn't she put the full cost of the mortgage etc even though she doesn't pay it all????

2. Why do they want to know my income? While I would do anything I can to help her with her debts I'm no Rockerfella.

3. My bank is Natwest which is part of RBS. I'm self employed and as such I have an ISA that I put money in that I will owe to the tax man come self assessment day. If they look into my account (which I'm sure they will) is there any chance they'll reject her claim saying that, that money could pay her debt? Figures wise it could certainly help but that would mean I wouldn't be able to pay my tax bill.

Sorry for the long post.

Thanks in advance.

natweststaffmember

They have to look at household income rather to determine financial hardship.
Most financial hardship claims are specifically around priority debt arrears(mortgage/rent, council tax, utilities). They shouldn't need to look at your accounts just household income.

RNW2

OK thanks for that.

So if they're looking at household income then they're looking at household expenditure too??? If so she should put the full mortgage amount then and not just the half she pays? Is that right?

Thanks again.

natweststaffmember

RNW2 wrote: »

OK thanks for that.

So if they're looking at household income then they're looking at household expenditure too??? If so she should put the full mortgage amount then and not just the half she pays? Is that right?

Thanks again.

100% yep. She needs to put 100% of utilities, council tax, the lot. Tell her not to try and make things look easier than they actually are

RNW2

Thanks.

You've been a massive help.

All the best.

R