MSE news: Hold on bank charges claims extended until 2010

RuthnJasper

natweststaffmember wrote: »

Which bank? I would send an Income and expenditure form and explain the circumstances above and the outline since the bank would be unaware you aren't able to claim state benefits. Furthermore, you need to send them notices of your priority debt arrears(mortgage/rent, council tax, utilities).
On the brief outline of what you have written there are elements of financial hardship, ie lifestyle change or error caused the charges, which are spiralling and are effecting your day to day living.

Hello NatWestStaffMember,

Thank you for your advice and comments; they are very helpful. The bank concerned is actually NatWest and you are right; a major life change forced the circumstances (moved out of family home to live on my own for the first time ever). I was SO careful and was doing very well, when I missed my one £3.84 direct debit because of an unexpected vet's bill that I had to pay for my dog. I was only about £2 short in my account as well. That led to a £38 charge from Natwest and a £20 fine from the company expecting the £3.84. As I have an IVA and carefully budget down to the last few pennies, this has had a catastrophic ongoing effect. I have already sent the information that you suggest. However, they've asked for it again, so the paperwork will be winging its way to my NatWest buddies once more tomorrow.

One day I daresay I'll look back on this time and smile. Probably. But not yet.

Thanks again for your useful reply.

Ruth x

linzp_2

I can't believe that the banks are allowed to do this and why the government aren't doing more about it. Not only do they take people's hard-earned money via bank charges but then the tax payer bails them out when they are in trouble, only to find that the banks still carry on charging and the Chief Execs are getting ridiculous bonuses! I despair what this world is coming to. If it were possible to get away with not having a bank account I'm sure lots would. No wonder we live in a society with a increasing rift between the poor and the rich!!

jos004

fred678 wrote: »

i.e. how about £10.00 per individual infringement of the data protection act

All fines (proceeds) should go to a charity holding fund to be allocated over charities in the UK - none of this business of all fines going into government coffers to pay for second homes etc ........

Why don't the ICO fine banks £200 for failing to send out complete SARs to customers? Those requesting st'ments. sum. of charges.

jos004

Why don't the ICO fine banks £200 for failing to send out complete SARs to customers? Those requesting st'ments. sum. of charges.

...within the 40 day period allowed. CC companies, also.

natweststaffmember

jos004 wrote: »

Why don't the ICO fine banks £200 for failing to send out complete SARs to customers? Those requesting st'ments. sum. of charges.

...within the 40 day period allowed. CC companies, also.

Ok, here is my take. I would agree with you providing

(a) Request is clear as to what is being requested
(b) Sent recorded delivery to address from ICO register of data controllers with registered fee.
(c) 40 days have elapsed since the date the amount was cashed(which is formal acceptance of the fact that enough information has been received).
If the above 3 have been done then I kinda agree with you.

jos004

natweststaffmember wrote: »

Ok, here is my take. I would agree with you providing

(a) Request is clear as to what is being requested
(b) Sent recorded delivery to address from ICO register of data controllers with registered fee.
(c) 40 days have elapsed since the date the amount was cashed(which is formal acceptance of the fact that enough information has been received).
If the above 3 have been done then I kinda agree with you.

I agree wholeheartedly with you Natweststaffmember!