Previous claim with a now closed firm (Kingsnorth)

smurfetteRD

Hi, I logged a claim with Kingsnorth Sols in January 2025 (didn't realise I could do it myself).  

Very shortly after this, I received a letter from Barclays Partner Finance confirming my arrangement had been subject to a DCA, but they were awaiting the outcome of the Supreme Court case and would be in touch nearer the end of the year.  

I've just today been contacted by Stephenson's solicitors, the intervening solicitors for Kingsnorth, confirming that Kingsnorth has in fact been shut down by the FCA.  They've also confirmed they won't be taking forward my claim and that should I want to pursue it, I will need to appoint another solicitor or do it free myself. 

As BPF has already confirmed I was subject to a DCA, do I need to lodge another claim (using MSE's template), or do I just sit tight and wait for BPF to write to me with details of how much I'm owed, etc? 

Thank you 😊

dunstonh

As BPF has already confirmed I was subject to a DCA, do I need to lodge another claim (using MSE's template), or do I just sit tight and wait for BPF to write to me with details of how much I'm owed, etc? 

You wait.  You don't need to employ anyone to use the free-of-charge regulated process.

smurfetteRD

Lovely, I thought so but thought I'd just get the hive mind's thoughts.  Thank you!  

MyRealNameToo

smurfetteRD said:

As BPF has already confirmed I was subject to a DCA, do I need to lodge another claim (using MSE's template), or do I just sit tight and wait for BPF to write to me with details of how much I'm owed, etc? 

It's still if you are owed not what you are owed. Just because DCA existed on their arrangement with the dealer doesnt automatically mean you're going to have been out of pocket. What's hit the headlines and what the FCA banned was dealers increasing the interest rate in exchange for getting more commission however dealers could also do the opposite under DCA, they could reduce the interest rate in exchange for sacrificing commission. 

Whilst some may say dealers are greedy and there's no way they'd give up commission the reality is, particularly on new cars where there is no limit to how many they can sell, that they could still make more overall by selling with lower commission than not selling at all. Whilst not DCA related on my last car purchase I agreed a price with the dealer, had signed the paperwork and yet they called me back the next day and had reduced the price by over £1k as they'd redone their sums and realised with the staircased commissions it was going to net them more than they first thought. 


Its possible having the claim under the name of the claims management company may cause some issues down the road but personally would hold off for now until the FCA gives more guidance as registering a second claim now without the agent could muddy matters. If anything I would write in connection with the original claim and advise Barclays that the firm is no longer acting for you and all future correspondence should be direct as a result. 

T8309619_1999

I have been emailed out of the blue from Stephensons because they have taken over Kingsnorth. Now when I filed my claim, I did so using the MSE free form - I have had absolutely nothing to do with Kingsnorth personally. Is this legit? Should I contact them or should I ignore? Thanks. 

dunstonh

 I have had absolutely nothing to do with Kingsnorth personally. Is this legit? 

Could be depending on how they have taken over the originating company.