NatWest Step acount wont give money back

[genesco]

Hi I have a step account with NatWest, they have recently charged me £38 three times for an unpaid direct debit, the money I put in cleared the next day also because they debited my account for £38 I did not have enough in the bank to cover my next direct debit so they charged me another £38, so I sent them out the first letter requestin my charge back and they sent me this letter back.


Dear Mrs XXX
Thank you for your letter……We believe that our charges are fair, reasonable ansd transparent. We consider that the amount debited to your account have been applied strictly in accordance with our agreement with us and our published tariff, which we are satisfied, complies witrh all applicable laws and regulations. Blah Blah…

We considered the office of fair trading’s statement of 5 pril 2006 and do not accept it’s findings in relation to the setting of credit card fees. We are concerned that the office of fair trading has publicly called into question the setting of charges applied to other products, including current accounts. The office of fair trading has restricted it’s investigation to credit cards and made no attempt to consult with the RBS Group or industry in relation to other entirely different products.

Having viewed your account, I can find no instance where charges have been apllied when they were not properly due. They have all been associated with the lack of covering funds in the account at the time items were presented for payment. Accordingly, the charges that have been applied to your account must stand. With a step account, we have no leeway whatsoever if covering funds are not in your account by 3.30p.m on the working day before items are presented for payment.

It concerns me that you are threatening legal action against us in a relationship that has spanned less than 2 months. While I will not formally ask you to make alternative banking arrangements at this stage, it occurs to me that you have no confidance in NatWest and it might be appropriate for you to consider making a fresh start outside the Royal bank of Scotland group.
Blah Blah ….
Stuart Higley

Has anyone recieved this response back and what should I do next, should I send out the LBA.
I would be gratful for a response.

[StoneLaughter]

This sounds pretty standard... LBA it is

[genesco]

I sent my LBA letter and this is the letter I got back.

Dear XXXX
I regret that there is little I can add constructively to my last letter and note your proposed course of action. I have alerted our lawyers and litigation department accordingly. blah blah....
Thank you for letting me know of your intentions.

Stuart Higley.

Should I start my court proceedings now I am only asking for £114 returned. and I got them because they had to return 3 direct debits.

Does it make a difference that I only opened this account about 2 months ago.

[StoneLaughter]

No, it makes no difference... and you should file your moneyclaim after they have had your LBA 14 days.

[genesco]

Ok thanks - was this a standard letter they send out.

[StoneLaughter]

Pretty much...

[genesco]

Is it still ok for me to start a court claim against NatWest after 4months or should i send them a letter letting them know that I am going to.

I have already sent out lba but that was a while ago.

You have already stated that you would take legal action so no further letter is required

[woodpecker01]

I had the same problem as you with NatWest, I had 3 direct debits for £1.00, £2.50 & £31.98 payable together to the same company, But NatWest charged me 9 times over 13 days, I decided not to use the step account and had my wages tranfered to my reserve account, Natwest then tranfered all my money to the step account and closed both accounts, I have sent my data protection act and now waiting for my statements.