Bank of Ireland mortgage prisoners?

paulhiphop

I am a self employed event photographer, my business has been demolished in the last year so I do not meet affordability criteria to switch mortgage lender.
My 1.66% rate with BOI is due to end next month
The best new rate they offer for existing customers is over 3%.
Many other lenders are offering rates below 2% so I'd like to switch to a different lender if I can.
Bank of Ireland UK website under the "our products -> mortgages" section states:
"New mortgage products are available to Northern Ireland customers only."
https://www.bankofirelanduk.com/mortgages/
I understand this classifies them as a 'closed book' lender.
In order to switch to Halifax (for example) I need a letter confirming I am a mortgage prisoner from my existing lender.
A couple of weeks back I requested such a letter from BOI via their online 'mortgage hub' for existing customers. 
Today BOI phoned me, the man started off by telling me he was working from home so the call would not be recorded but he would make notes and was I OK with that to which I agreed. He basically said they are not a closed book lender so I am not a mortgage prisoner so they cannot provide the letter.
I then mentioned the text on the website, he disputed it until I told him to take a look which he did, then expressed shock and surprise when he saw it.
He then told me the information on the website was wrong as they do offer new mortgages and he'd have to look into it but he is unable to help with my request.

I've had my mortgage with them over 10 years, my LTV is very low at about 34%, I've never defaulted any payments.
I don't need any extra lending, I'm not looking to move house, I've got over 10 years left to pay - basically I tick all the boxes but they are saying they won't assist me to switch to another lender by supplying a mortgage prisoner letter.

I'm aware of the amazing campaign to get legislation passed which will help mortgage prisoners - but if my lender denies I am in that category it won't help.

Any suggestions gratefully received!

K_S

@paulhiphop BOI certainly do lend in England, at least through brokers. They are not a closed book lender.
If you can't meet affordability, then you don't really have any option but to go for what BOI is offering unfortunately.

3.11% no-fee is not great, but with all due respect, it's hardly mortgage prisoner type of rates. Once you go below 75% LTV, the rates don't keep going down beyond that so being at 34% is good but not necessarily much help in lowering rates.

Personally, I doubt you'll get far trying to get BOI to issue a mortgage prisoner letter.

[Deleted User]

Why can't you just move your mortgage without the letter?  I assume you are failing affordability?