Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
Can a local branch just send a letter expecting me to call them (they have been told previously I do not 'do' phone calls) to arrange a suitable time for me to call in to discuss some aspects of my account (!??!!)
I have an overdraft with them - one of these authorised ones where I pay x amount each month (and get RAC membership allegedly!) but tend to go over a little bit each month. I think I've had the overdraft amount / agreement now for maybe 3 years and it's been at its maximum, then paid it off then up again, paid off etc until now where it seems maybe Barclays want to play games? Perhaps it's a response to my fos request for charges (on hold as you know) which is just about same amount.
Anyhow - letter was sent whilst I was on hols but expected me to phone back eitehr during the 2 banks hols or weekend as those were the only days they 'gave' prior to letter sent date and contact us by date.
Soooo.. do I have to, should I reply? If they have concerns or want to discuss anything on my account why don;t they write a letter detailing it all. Actually what has my local branch to do with it all in this day or internet banking etc? I never ever go there.
Is there any way in which I am obliged to even respond to such a request - especially if so vague. I felt as if I was a schoolkid again having to phone by set date (all holidays!!) to make an appointment. Should I reply sarcastically or just ignore? Can I ignore a local branch completely whatever they write? Is there a 'higher' authority for Barclays that al info regarding o/d etc has to come from?
The bank have been told I do not divulge personal nor financial matters on phone so they will not get me to phone. Should I reply by letter is the crux of it all? Ignore personal opinions is it possible to get some factual info on legalitlies and powers of local branch over my account etc?
Question I am asking is have a local branch 'authority' over my account or are they merely an image nowadays .. can they make decisions on my account from the local branch at all as Barclays are such a large organisation with hq elsewhere + Internet banking etc.... where are decisions on my account made - local level, hq or India?!
Whilst your local branch has the power/authority to make decisions about your accounts, they rarely exercise this power nowadays and rely on policies handed down from above, ie their Head Office.
Neither your branch, nor any other office, can force you to call them and discuss matters. As you opt to not phone them, you could write to the office which is asking you to call, and tell them to put their view/request in writing to you as you don't discuss such matters over the phone.
Any help and advice is offered in good faith, based solely on my own knowledge and on experience gathered from this site. I am not qualified to offer legal or financial advice, which you should seek from an expert before making any important decisions. My opinions are therefore offered without liability.
So I guess I'd better not write a snotty letter about how the hell they could even expect me to reply in the time-frame given nor that their letter was signed.....
anybody up-to-date with the 'additions' account - just remembered what it is called and this is why I feel I am able to use my o/d without hassle.. does that make sense or do they feel it should be reduced regularly (how regular?) or permanently within x months....?
Barclays and local branches 'authority'
) to arrange a suitable time for me to call in to discuss some aspects of my account (!??!!)
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That made me laugh out loud - thanks!
