LGV Training Course 70% Cancellation Fee

facefullofsnow

Hi all, my first post here just after a bit of advice if possible. I am a freelancer photographer but like many, with the recent Covid lockdown my work as a freelancer came to a halt. Looking at what else I can do to try and get a little money coming in I thought of truck driving. Especially with the lockdown it seemed an ideal time as the there was a need for essential workers to get the goods around the country. I got in touch with the LGV Training Company to see what was possible. They told me they could get me trained and we could start straight away. The usual route is to get your medical done, study for the theory test and then complete a theoretical CPC course of 5 days then do the practical training. I was initially pushed quite hard to book and pay for the full course whilst I was on the phone to the sales advisor as he said they had a space on a CPC course the following week and I could get that done to move everything along quicker, even before the theory test. I wanted to get the training done quickly so I agreed. I completed the CPC course and emailed the sales advisor to ask if I could get the theory test booked asap as it was fairly straightforward test. This is when things came to a bit of a halt. I still have not had my theory test booked in. I have recently found out that the DVSA shutdown all the training for 3 months several days before I spoke to the LGV Training Company and paid for the course. I wasn't told any of this or advised that there could be any delay. The DVSA are still shut and no training is being completed. I therefore asked to cancel the practical part of the training as they have the full amount of my money and as I have not been able to get the training done and get work, I need the money to pay for food, mortgage etc.

Initially they responded with a cancellation fee of 70% which I was astounded by. They told me it's in there terms and conditions but these were sent to me by email whilst the sales rep waited on the phone as he said he needed my response to get me booked onto the CPC course, so I did not read them properly. They have since after several emails lowered it to 30% - but this is still approx £700 cancellation fee - for something I have been done, nor has it been possible for me to do due to the training being shutdown. It is not even as though they have to fill my place on a course, because there are no courses being booked.

Is there anything I can do or have I just been naive and accept the 30% charge? 

Many thanks all