Have the banks got 8 weeks to reply?!!!

nickmack

Wiltz wrote: »

Hope we both get a reply to this as there doesn't seem to be anything on this website or the CAG site explaining how to handle it.

Have you read the Step by step article and the FAQ in the Reclaim Help thread (links both in my signature) The answers to your questions are there.

vickylee07

Just recieved the following letter after sending my 1st letter requesting charges back....

Thank you for you letter dates 12th April.

I am sorry you are unhappy with the charges that you have incured. Your comments are recieving attention & one of my team will contact you as soon as possible.

May I take this opportunity to explain that whilst we endeavour to respond to you within the timescale outlined in your letter, we cannot guarantee that we will do so. Sometimes it takes longer to fully investigate a complaint. However we do aim to find a solution with 4 weeks. If we are not able to do so, we will always writeto you explaining what is happening. A full report or an update on our progress will be sent to you within 8 weeks.

Now im confused, I originally asked for a reply within 14 days, which I suppose they have,but I wanted a reply in relatrion to my charges, not a staling time letter, Im no further forward....

Now they are saying 4 weeks, 8 weeks... Is this a tactic Barclays use to put you off and timewaste??

Someone please advise me on what to do.. Do I ring them and tell themI want a reply in 14 days as I originally asked....

Many Thanks in advance:beer:

Edinburghlass_2

Edinburghlass wrote: »

The 8 weeks that the banks mention is the time limit they are given by the FO to deal with a complaint and this is a standard letter they are sending out along with the leaflet from the FO.

Stick to your timetable of 14 days and send off your next letter at the appropriate time as in the step by step guide in Martin's article below.

Step-by-step Guides: Bank Charges: Reclaim Your Cash | Bank Charges Video Guide | Top New Bank Account Calculator: Charge them interest Template Letters: (right click and save) Ask for charge details |Initial letter | Second letter | Small claims note Get Updates On Important Changes: Free Weekly Money Ti

Standard letter from the bank, just follow your timescale.

deacee

Dear Martin,

On Tuesday 3rd April 2007 I wrote to my Halifax branch for a Refund of around £1100.00 in bank overdraft charges going back to 2001. Today I received a letter from them - dated 7th April 2007 - saying that the complaint handling rules set by the FSA gives Halifax "8 weeks to investigate and respond to complaints".

They also say they will update me by writing "if, for any reason, we are unable to respond fully to your concerns within the next 4 weeks".

Since the refund-letter Templates on your website give banks a 14-day timeframe for paying up before court action is considered, are the above statements about the FSA correct?

Would it really take 4 weeks for a bank to resolve this type of complaint?

Please help to clarify, Martin, it'd be greatly appreciated; as I need to know whether Halifax is dragging heels on this one.

Awaiting your reply with thanks,

Dean Clarke

System

deacee wrote: »

Dear Martin,

On Tuesday 3rd April 2007 I wrote to my Halifax branch for a Refund of around £1100.00 in bank overdraft charges going back to 2001. Today I received a letter from them - dated 7th April 2007 - saying that the complaint handling rules set by the FSA gives Halifax "8 weeks to investigate and respond to complaints".

They also say they will update me by writing "if, for any reason, we are unable to respond fully to your concerns within the next 4 weeks".

Since the refund-letter Templates on your website give banks a 14-day timeframe for paying up before court action is considered, are the above statements about the FSA correct?

Would it really take 4 weeks for a bank to resolve this type of complaint?

Please help to clarify, Martin, it'd be greatly appreciated; as I need to know whether Halifax is dragging heels on this one.

Awaiting your reply with thanks,

Dean Clarke

Well I'm not quite the man himself but hope I'll do!

The letter you received is pretty much standard, they would love for you to sit around for 4-8 weeks waiting for their response!! They may try delaying tactics throughout your claim, including using the court process to try and intimidate you and put you off.

So the general advice is to stick to your timescales, be persistant and don't be put off.

Good luck with your claim.

UNDERGROUND

P.S. check the Success thread, there are many, many Halifax success stories

Mrmojorisin_3

Thats great. Thank you both!! I'm pretty nervous myself but everything crossed we should all be ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

joeblack066

So when you say second letter, do you mean that you have sent the request for the repayment of the charges, and they have responded by saying you are entered into their complaints procedure? So now you are going to instigate the court proceedings? Halifax have NOT responded to me within 14 days, and I am unsure of what to do next?

joeblack066

Bumpety Bump bump bump!

Edinburghlass_2

Edinburghlass wrote: »

The 8 weeks that the banks mention is the time limit they are given by the FO to deal with a complaint and this is a standard letter they are sending out along with the leaflet from the FO.

Stick to your timetable of 14 days and send off your next letter at the appropriate time as in the step by step guide in Martin's article below.

Step-by-step Guides: Bank Charges: Reclaim Your Cash | Bank Charges Video Guide | Top New Bank Account Calculator: Charge them interest Template Letters: (right click and save) Ask for charge details |Initial letter | Second letter | Small claims note Get Updates On Important Changes: Free Weekly Money Ti

These are standard letters put out by the banks, as above follow your timescale!

grimreaper

joeblack066 wrote: »

So when you say second letter, do you mean that you have sent the request for the repayment of the charges, and they have responded by saying you are entered into their complaints procedure? So now you are going to instigate the court proceedings? Halifax have NOT responded to me within 14 days, and I am unsure of what to do next?

if like me they have not responded to your 14 day deadline then start the mcol proces and file for court

my 14 days was up on 16th so i sent mcol late 16th to be processed for the 17th, it was issued on 17th and then ill wait till its been 5 days till it has been served in which case ill receive notification.

Then they have 14 days to acknowledge your court claim then get a defence sorted which is another 14 days so max it should take 28 days:T