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Professional and Career Development Loan.

clg25
clg25 Posts: 4 Newbie
I'm supposed to be starting my masters at the end of Septmeber, and sent of my PCDL application to Barclays a couple of weeks ago.

I got a response today saying that my loan application had been denied because "there are restrictions on my stay in the UK".

I'm a British citizen, with a British passport. There are no restricitons on my stay in the UK.

I think the problem is that I have spent some time working in America. However, when I called for an application pack, I explicitly asked if this would be a problem. I was told it would not be as the eligibility criteria state:

You must be "settled in the UK [...] settled means having either indefinite right to enter or remain or having the right of abode in the UK"

Which, clearly, I do. I also mentioned I'd been overseas and that I was planning on applying for a PCDL when I opened an account with Barclays in May and was told that it was not a problem.

I don't really know what to do now. More than anything I'm mad that a bank can deny me my right to an education, because without the loan there's absolutely no way I can study.

It's been a real dream of mine to study for my masters at UCL, and the idea of calling them to say I have to turn down my offer after all is actually making me tearful.

Any suggestions? I'm at a bit of a loss.

PS I should say, I've called the bank; call centre staff were polite but utterly unhelpful. I've also emailed and plan on being outside my branch when it opens tomorrow.

Comments

  • Tixy
    Tixy Posts: 31,455 Forumite
    The bank are not denying you your right to an education.

    I would suggest the best course of action would be to appeal the decision and offer to provide proof that you are a citizen.
    I would do this by letter.
    A smile enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give
    or "It costs nowt to be nice"
  • jonesMUFCforever
    jonesMUFCforever Posts: 28,898 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Can you please clarify what you put on the application form to warrant such a reply?
    Are you a born and bred Brit or have you obtained a UK passport at a later date?
  • I would suggest doing this by letter to head office. You will probably just get the brush-off in-branch as you did on the phone. Keep it polite and factual and include your corroborating evidence (copy of passport?).

    You don't have either a right to an education to masters level nor a right to borrow someone else's money by the way, to think you do is plain wrong ;)
    Thinking critically since 1996....
  • clg25
    clg25 Posts: 4 Newbie
    I am a born and bred Brit, which is why I'm so confused.

    Also you're right. I think I was a bit overemotional and frustrated - a higher education isn't a right and is a privilege. I was on my big, liberal high-horse and just really mad at the bank.

    I did go to my branch and they just referred me to the call centre again, who told me that there was no way to appeal their decision.

    Next step will be contacting head office I think, who'll hopefully be able to give me some more information. At this point I just want some insight into their decision making process, as that's what I'm most confused about.
  • Tixy
    Tixy Posts: 31,455 Forumite
    Well from what you have said it sounds like the main reason for the decline is actually a misunderstanding on their part as to your citizenship. Maybe something got noted on file when you made your enquiry that has been interpreted incorrectly.

    Despite what you have been told by call centre staff - its always possible to appeal a decision. And with loan applications it does happen that decisions are sometimes reversed on appeal. It would sound like you stand a reasonable chance and certainy it worth trying.
    Basically the underwriters should reconsider the application taking into account in the new information.
    A smile enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give
    or "It costs nowt to be nice"
  • lizziebabe
    lizziebabe Posts: 1,115 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Mmmm - well after paying their fine of £270 million, they probably don't have much left!

    Seriously though, do pursue it as there is a mistake somewhere.
  • bigadaj
    bigadaj Posts: 11,531 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    lizziebabe wrote: »
    Mmmm - well after paying their fine of £270 million, they probably don't have much left!

    Seriously though, do pursue it as there is a mistake somewhere.

    I wouldn't feel too sorry for them, they are apparently paying bob diamond £30 million for HIS resignation, and the guy has had over £100 million out of eh bank in the last five years.

    A few thousand for the OP should be just about doable.
  • CLAPTON
    CLAPTON Posts: 41,865 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    some banks require you to have been resident in the UK for the last three years

    what exact question did they ask that required you to mention living in USA?
  • clg25
    clg25 Posts: 4 Newbie
    Well seems like all my complaining has got me somewhere.

    Just received an email telling me that they're going to continue to process my loan. Obviously still not a guarantee that I'll be approved, but beyond relieved they're going to continue to process it, and not reject me on ground of my residency!
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