Can I reclaim mortgage charges?

terencetheturtle

About 5 years ago I was in real financial trouble. I was on the edge of my overdraft limit, I couldn't use my credit card and I had essentially run out of money. At this time, I was late in paying my mortgage twice successively and, by paying the mortgage, I went over my overdraft limit by a few pounds. I was then hit by a double whammy of charges. Firstly, the bank (Barclays) charged me £30.00 for going over my overdraft limit, and then the mortgage company (Mortgage Express) charged me £35.00 to cover, as they put it, the costs to them for being late in paying the mortgage. I would add that I never missed a payment, I was just late. As this happened twice, it cost me a whopping £65.00 each time I was late, so £130.00 in total, money I just didn't have. I am already reclaiming the bank charges and like everyone else I'm awaiting the outcome of the test case. I have tried reclaiming the mortgage charges with interest and they have written back saying that as the error in late payments did not lie with Mortgage Express, they would not refund the money. I don't believe that the cost to them for a late payment was anywhere near £35.00 and therefore the charges are unfair. Does anyone have any experience in reclaiming these kind of charges? Any advice on what to do next? Am I right to try and reclaim this? My finances are in a good position now and I have learnt from the mistakes I made 5 years ago.

Many thanks.