alicecamp vrs A&L

[alicecamp]

Hi there

This is my first post to the Consumer Action Group, although I've been reading lots of threads for a while - very impressed with all the support and encouragement available!
I have asked for and received my bank statements from the Alliance and Leicester. I am in the process of getting a parachute account, but am a bit hesitant about it all because:
I have two current accounts with A&L, only claiming bank charges back for one of them, but I have an overdraft on both accounts. Some of the threads I've read suggest that A&L are quite reknowned for closing accounts after refunding big charges. Is it likely they might close both my accounts if it went that far? I've worked out that my bank charges are about £650 without interest etc, but that would not cover both overdrafts. I'm not in a position to repay my overdrafts just now and don't to end up in a position of having to find the money in a hurry!

Any advice appreciated.

A.

[louis wu]

Hello,

Its a common dilemma, without getting personal, how far short are you, charges/Overdraft wise (with interest charges).

If you was to claim on just one account would that help?


Ultimately, its up to you how you do this. There is no debate as to the unlawfullness of these charges now, and equally that you will get a refund (if you do it right). Added to that the fact that it's your money, and it makes a powerful argument to reclaim your charges.

Have you considered opening a parachute account, and claiming all your charges. If A&L close your account, so what? you just make an arrangement to pay the balance in installments, and if they add any penalty charges.....claim them back. You have to consider any implications to your credit score, but it is something to consider. Dont forget, this will take several months to claim, so maybe you can chip away at the O/D whilst your at it.

Louis

[happyolddog]

Hi Alice,
Welcome to the forum.

Please find your banks forum and start a thread;
(your user name) V (banks name)
Other members with experiance of your bank can offer informed advide.
use the template letters in order. Stick to the timetable in there.
please take time to read the faq's
LINKS....
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...-claiming.html
FAQs....
Templates Library....
If you have charges going back further than six years read in here;
Claiming beyond 6 yrs - important new information!!!
There is also live chat, visit if you need any quick advice.
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk.../flashchat.php
Finally good Luck.
Happyolddog.

If my advice helps please tip the scales, left.
<<<<<the middle thing.

[alicecamp]

Thanks for your responses, I will post a new thread on the A&L forum.
My overdraft for the account I am claiming charges against is £500, and my charges are £650 without interest, so that would cover the overdraft. However I have another current account with A&L which has a £700 overdraft on it. I was concerned that they might close both my accounts, even though the bank charges only related to on account.

Yes I am setting up a parachute account and I guess the worst they can do is close both my accounts and worse case I would have to set up a repayment plan with them ( I didn't know you could do that).

I will press on to the next stage I think, this will be a great exercise in organisation skills - staying one step ahead of the bank!!
thanks again

A.

[happyolddog]

Hi Alice,

Nothing to fear, Thebanks dont close accounts on first claim. They might on further claims though.So please read in here;
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...parachute.html

Good Luck,
Hod.

[jdey123]

Hi there,

I'm about to embark on a legal claim against my pensions provider and would appreciate some advice. In February 1998, I took out an executive pension plan. In December 2001, I informed Skandia that I could no longer contribute to the EPP as my company had suspended trading. Skandia, in their reply did not mention any charges. In July 2005, I noticed that the number of units in my pension fund was lower than what it was in December 2001 and asked Skandia why. I was told that the charges were due to my failing to continue to contribute to the pension, and that the charges were in the member's guide. I complained that the charges weren't plain and intelligible as required by the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Act 1999. Skandia held fast, so I then regrettably embarked on a 21 month discussion with the FOS about this. I'm about to abandon this discussion due to the continual delays and one-sidedness that I've experienced from the FOS. From a legal perspective, I believe that I've got a stronger case than the bank charges case in that not only are the charges excessive but they also couldn't be understand by a consumer.
The problem that I have is that the charges appear in a "journey planner" format with varying percentages of fund values apparantly determined by the number of years since my contribution was due and the number of years until my plan matures.

How does one go about claiming variable charges which aren't in plain and intelligible English, and hence I cannot be sure as to their value.

[alicecamp]

okay - onwards and upwards!! Thanks for your help Hod and Louis!

Al.

[rory32]

alicecamp, charge your bank interest on the charges. You would be awarded 8% anyway it goes to court.

[rory32]

jdey123 you need to post your own thread on this one. You'll get a lot more advice that way.

[louis wu]

Originally Posted by alicecamp

Thanks for your responses, I will post a new thread on the A&L forum.
My overdraft for the account I am claiming charges against is £500, and my charges are £650 without interest, so that would cover the overdraft. However I have another current account with A&L which has a £700 overdraft on it. I was concerned that they might close both my accounts, even though the bank charges only related to on account.

Yes I am setting up a parachute account and I guess the worst they can do is close both my accounts and worse case I would have to set up a repayment plan with them ( I didn't know you could do that).

I will press on to the next stage I think, this will be a great exercise in organisation skills - staying one step ahead of the bank!!
thanks again

A.

Thats not to bad, £650 (without interest) is a nice lump sum to have waiting for you.

Rory says that you should charge them interest, which is correct, but I think you are okay with that. The only small point is, you dont add the charges UNTIL you issue your court papers. Sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but it is a common error (although not a serious one).

As to your other account, well, without sticking my neck out too far, I suspect they will leavre it alone, infact, I think a lot of banks are NOT closing accounts anymore, although as always, there are still exceptions to the rule.

Best have a look in the A&L forum (again, sorry if you have already), as they will know what A&L's current tactics are (I'm an Abbey/Lloyds claimer, with a bit of MBNA...Nationwide....and a couple of minor others thrown in for good measure), as I have nothing to base a guess on with them.

You will be fine, and dont forget, its your decision, and if you decide, your claim. You do not have to rush into this, and taking your time is fine. Once you do start your claim though, its your timetable, and do not be put off by their stalling, they will try everything, but stick to your guns.

I will try to follow your thread, but probably wont post, as there are better A&L experts to help, but I will offer any encouragement I can. I an getting to be a bit of a veteren at this, with some very good succesful claims, and I am good for moral support, so feel free to pm me should you get cold feet, or need a boost at any time.

Continued best wishes

Louis

[livelylad]

Thread moved to A&L and title changed.