'An Open letter to the PM' blog discussion 1 September 2009 at 11:12AM edited 1 September 2009 at 12:36PM in Martin's blogs & appearances & MoneySavingExpert in the news 18 replies 2.7K views

Former_MSE_Lawrence

This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.

Read Martin's "An Open letter to the Prime Minister on Bank Charges" Blog.

Click reply to discuss

Paul_Herring

The letter is below, and will be simultaneously be emailed to Gordon Brown’s office after being posted here.

Simultaneously be emailed to GB and who else?

We’ve already received and published replies from the Tories and Lib Dems on this. Nick Clegg has pledged support for automatic payback, David Cameron that payback must be swift and he will look at automatic payback.

While I notice Mr Clegg has pledged his support for automatic payback, it's somewhat disappointing that Mr Cameron hasn't.

I expect even more fluffiness off Mr Brown's office should they deign to reply. Something along the lines of "we are thinking of looking into making swift payments," no doubt.

terricfan

Laudable letter, Martin, but I think you'll be waiting until after Gordon's given a full, frank and honest of his involvement in the Lockerbie bomber's release before you get a reply. ie. a cold day in hell. Call me a cynic....

rgds,
Cynic.

pmduk

Surely the largest unanswered petition is that asking him to resign? Let's hope he responds affirmatively to that one first.

MSE_Martin

pmduk wrote: »

Surely the largest unanswered petition is that asking him to resign? Let's hope he responds affirmatively to that one first.

Very good point - i've changed that text to

"We were delighted to see you take interest in this crucial issue, especially as the ‘Bank Charges Consumer Charter’ posted on the number 10 website in Summer 2007 held the undistinguished honour of being the largest ever petition you chose not to respond to."

Bigal_2

I am certain that the bank charges should automatically be paid back to all. The banks over the years have changed from a service industry to a predatory industry and it is time that the Government took a stronger stance against them.

liquidated

All I have to say is, good luck getting a reply .

allan2006

I think they should automatically be repaid too, think this would be so much fairer. Obviously the people in the most need will probable be the ones that dont know how or understand they can reclaim.

On the otherside of the coin, its goin to cost the banks more if they pay back automatically.

I think as it stands you can reclaim the last 6 years charges, would it not be a fair compromise if say the banks automatically calculated the last 4 years then wrote with an offer of that?

If you wanted to reclaim the full 6 then it would be down to the individuall to get the info, fill the forms and do the leg work themselves.

Headieboy

Does anyone honestly think the banks will automatically repay the billions they have siphoned off from people accounts over the years given the current state of the banking system?

Given the fact that Gordon (is a moron) Brown and his government didn't / wouldn't respond to the previous No10 petition, do you think he'll reply to this open letter?. Nick Clegg says he backs automatic repayments but does anyone really think the Lib Dems will form the next Government and the Tories and Labour have too much vested interest (too many peers / donators on the boards of banks) to force automatic repayments.

I think they should be forced to automatically repay all the money. It's just a pity you can only reclaim for the last 6 years as about 12 years ago I was only getting something along the lines of £650 per month and the bank was taking over £100 every month!

MothballsWallet

Martin, I just hope that Brown reads it and isn't too busy ducking the proverbial mud that's going to be slung his way after the summer recess.

Heck, this sort of mess makes me want to stand for Parliament...

allan2006

out with the old in with the new, the whole systems a mess. Whats worse is its stacked agains the poor and joe average