what is "first right of approposition"?

charlie's_mum

Dear all

The wretched bank have taken £140 in bank charges, just when I needed the cash (don't we all!). I was so enraged I rang up, and was told that I can go to a branch, and exercise my "first right of appropositon" and they will give me the money back. What is this, and is this right?

Miss_See

I believe they mean the "right of appropriation". This basically refers to the fact that a bank cannot take charges from your benefit money. Below is a template letter you can give to your bank:

RIGHT OF APPROPRIATION

Dear Sir/Madam,
ACCOUNT NUMBER: xxxxxxxxx

I am writing to inform you that I am due to have a Tax Credit payment of £xxx paid into my account on xx/xx/xx, and I wish to use my first right of appropriation for this money, for the following purposes;
Rent £xx
Utilities bills £xx
Housekeeping money £xx
I will withdraw the money on the day that it is deposited for the above use, and I would be grateful if you would ensure that any other payments out of my account do not interfere with this withdrawal.

Yours faithfully,

[signature]

[print name)

More info is available at http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general-debt/36790-bank-taking-your-benefits.html?highlight=right+of+appropriation.

owetoomuch

Before I went BR I was advised by CCCS to write a letter of first right of appropriation to my bank as my salary was due to be paid in and that way I could ensure that I could use it for that months essentials. The letter informs your bank that you wish to use that money which was paid in to your account and that they cannot use it to offset against anything you may owe them. When you have written the letter and they have received it (better to deliver by hand) withdraw the money straight away unless you are using it to pay for direct debits. If using to pay direct debits you must list these, their amounts and their due date on the letter and they must meet these payments. Hope this helps.