MSE News: Santander to charge for 'free' business accounts

Benster

I posted my letter to Santander at end of July but to had a reply yet. How long was it before you got a reply?

magpiecottage

Benster wrote: »

I posted my letter to Santander at end of July but to had a reply yet. How long was it before you got a reply?

They have up to 8 weeks from receiving the complaint to get a reply in the post.

tinman9898

I Received a letter from the Ombudsman today stating that the complaint is now progressing. They have contacted Santander for the relevant information from them. One of their adjudicators will then look at the case. The adjudicator will then contact me to discuss the complaint in more detail within 12 weeks and they shall notify me should there be any delay.

More information about this complaint:

How to complain video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C21ZF0a6Sg

Send a complaint here to receive your 'take it or leave it' letter from Santander before complaining to the Ombudsman:

[EMAIL="ceo@santander.co.uk"]ceo@santander.co.uk[/EMAIL]

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm

Financial Ombudsman Service
South Key Plaza
183 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SR

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/consumerinformation/consumer_contact

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Notochargesforsantandersfreeforeverbusinessac...


http://www.santanderbusiness.netai.net/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/434991753218662/


Send a complaint about the unfair Santander fees for business customers to BBC Watchdog and BBC Radio 4 Moneybox...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/gotastory/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/money-box/contact/

janusdesign

just a thought, but it might be useful if those who have had positive responses from their MP to name them, so that we can mention this when we write to our own MP.

obviously, you cannot write to an MP that isn't yours (and expect them to act for you), but when writing to our own, it could be useful to mention other MPs that are looking at the matter... it might encourage them to work together - whether that be an early day motion, an adjornment debate or at BIS or Treasury Questions.

sdd56

I've recently received the letter from Santander advising me of their "improvements" and I am very annoyed as I changed from my normal bank because of the "free forever" promise.

I am writing to them to state that I do not agree with the charges, when I get the fob-off I will then go to the FOS. I have also emailed Radio 4's Moneybox as they seem to like this sort of story.

bmtney54

I wrote to my MP (Julian Sturdy) who has offered his support and to pursue this matter. Positive...?....

I also wrote to Mark Prisk (MP) Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, who wrote back ...

"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE BUSINESSES SUCH AS SANTANDER"...."THERE ARE OF COURSE OTHER BANKS AVAILABLE, AND YOU MIGHT LIKE TO CONSIDER MOVING YOUR CUSTOM ELSEWHERE."

So the Dept for Business Innovation and Skills are not interested. Nice to see support for small businesses from the Government. I think the message is clear - don't expect any help in this.

Everyone affected must take it to the FOS and even if the case is ultimately lost, it will cost Santander. In the meantime write lots of small cheques.

darren72

I'm with them and have yet to receive this letter.

Does this apply to all accounts, including the original Alliance and Leicester ones ?

Thanks

opinions4u

bmtney54 wrote: »

I wrote to my MP (Julian Sturdy) who has offered his support and to pursue this matter. Positive...?....

I also wrote to Mark Prisk (MP) Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, who wrote back ...

"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE BUSINESSES SUCH AS SANTANDER"...."THERE ARE OF COURSE OTHER BANKS AVAILABLE, AND YOU MIGHT LIKE TO CONSIDER MOVING YOUR CUSTOM ELSEWHERE."

So the Dept for Business Innovation and Skills are not interested. Nice to see support for small businesses from the Government. I think the message is clear - don't expect any help in this.

Everyone affected must take it to the FOS and even if the case is ultimately lost, it will cost Santander. In the meantime write lots of small cheques.

Do we really have such a department?

No wonder the national debt continues to grow.

magpiecottage

It will be far better for individuals to write to their own Members of Parliament and raise concerns that the FSA seems to be permitting Santander to renege on what Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Company says is a contractual obligation.

The last major financial institution to do so was Equitable Life.

JuicyJesus

bmtney54 wrote: »

"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE BUSINESSES SUCH AS SANTANDER"...."THERE ARE OF COURSE OTHER BANKS AVAILABLE, AND YOU MIGHT LIKE TO CONSIDER MOVING YOUR CUSTOM ELSEWHERE."

All of which is true.