About the OFT (not so) impending report - PLEASE READ THIS IF YOU'RE WORRIED

[kippy2]

Originally Posted by kennyh

Hey - I's old; I's wrinkley and me little grey cells ain't wot they wos.
No offence intended bookie.

were both in for it now :o

[Bookworm]

That's ok, I read Scotty's post yesterday and thought: Damn, that Scotty is GOOD! I wish *I* could write something like that! ... Oh, hang on, I did!!!

[elsinore]

Els

[miss_squeezy77]

Originally Posted by miss_squeezy77

Bookie - thank you for your excellent and informative (as always!) post.

I have been trying to convince my friend to claim back her charges for the last 6 months or so (think she was holding out to see if I would have any success first!), she has finally relented and I'm now helping her to do so.

I had a frantic message from her yesterday saying that a barrister had told her that 'they were going to change the law' at the end of the month. I asked what, exactly, he had said and apparently ( ) it was that the 'government are going to close the legal loophole!'

Laugh??? I haven't laughed so hard in ages.....

I can only assume this barrister guy was misinformed and was actually referring to the (now not so) impending OFT report.

Bookie - any view on the above? Not sure I can see Mssrs Blair and co doing anything that could incite discontent so close to an election?

[Bookworm]

Oh, I have views all right.

The only printable one is that I thought barristers would have a basic knowledge of how laws are passed. Ok, that's politics, not law, but SURELY!!! For goodness sake, I'm FRENCH and I know how laws are passed in this country!!! And one thing is certain, is that it takes a lot more than a month. In this instance, with over 100 years of penalty laws firmly established, it would be even harder, and take even longer... And of course, which party would dare even try such an unpopular move?

So, my opinion? He might be a barrister, but he knows jack on this subject.

Oh, and it's NOT a legal loophole, far from it.

[miss_squeezy77]

Thanks Bookie, my thoughts exactly. Just strengthens the argument for providing clear, honest information based on facts and nothing else!

[TANZARELLI]

Originally Posted by Bookworm

Someone told me Martin was on Ch5 earlier, repeating that "you only have till April to claim".

I repeat: THIS IS NOT TRUE!!!
*sigh*

To be honest he does my head in a bit. I have found him to be inacurate in some of his coments about the process of reclaiming when he was on that prog Bank Charge Backlash, he seemed to skim accros things and muddy the waters in my opinion.

I can't knock him as he was the person who informed me on telly about the whole debate, however he is starting to get a bit celeb for my liking and I do feel he is cutting corners with some of his points which is causing confusion.

Tanz

[Perseus]

Hi
i've only been on here for a matter of months, and I've learned a hell of a lot from my peers
People/friends/family of mine see the 'celeb' Martin Lewis as making it look 'Oh so simple, a matter of course, and of course the banks will be in full compliance - it's your right etc etc...'

I've seen many an item with him in.
He, in my opinion over simplifies the process, glorifies the 'power' the consumer has, skirts over the legal due process and seems to miss out any chance of the banks forming what the un-knowing would call 'a strong and legal challenge'.
Wouldn't it be great to invite Martin to comment on his public presentation, and explain the complexities and legal challenges 1000's of CAG'ers have now witnessed 1st hand in their now informed dealings on this matter...

I'm just glad I chose this site over his.
Thank you all!

P

[Dusary]

WOWEE!

I've had my eyes opened here!

No need to panic, then!

I'll request Statements PRIOR to 2001 from Bank of Scotland.

Poor post-lady - she had to deliver multiple envelopes to me 10 days ago. Now it'll start all over again!

[Charliuk]

bump!

[jshtr3]

He, in my opinion over simplifies the process, glorifies the 'power' the consumer has

Please don't think i'm a member or the 'ML' fan club cos I agree with a lot of what you say, but you do have to bear in mind that tens of thousand of people have started to reclaim charges because of him. Me included:o Yes, he skirts the issues but he often only appears in 10 minute features, it probably takes him longer to get his hair done than he spends on camera. And the most important thing is he links to here, again, how I found it. I personally am gratefull to anyone who helps pile the pressure on in any way they can. Yes even Lorraine Kelly

[Perseus]

jshtr3
I agree that anyone who helps in the challenge to the banks is a valuable asset. Fair point re ML, and his link, and his public fight.
What I don't like, agree with, is the miss-information, the panic tactics, the incorrectly worded (and limiting the consumers options) template letters and the false sense of security he purports the consumer has.
As we all know, and reading the CCA thread is an ideal example, the fight to reclaim your charges, empower yourself against over-zealous creditors, can be bloody hard, bloody frustrating and bloody costly (not just financially!)
I'm all for power to the people, but lets empower people with knowledge and common sense - rather than a blunt sword and a roll of gaffer tape eh!

[kecimot]

just sending small ...
Bump!

[Yanni]

Bttt