Brooksdad v Woolwich

[hughes690]

HI TO ALL: Great advice you all offer - hope you can to me.
Not having any detail (other than account no) of closed Woolwich a/c, I sent Data Protection Act request on 12/12/06. Received acknowlegment with my £10 cheque returned to me on 19 Dec 06 saying in course of preparation. My question: Is 12 Dec the start date of my claim or the date on which I receive the data from them?
I ask this because Jan 2001 (six years ago) was when most charges were levied against a/c (£3000-odd) HELP!

[hughes690]

Can someone please advise? Somewhat concerned!

[e28bigalbexley]

Hi Brooksdad
When you sent Data Protection Act S.A.R - (Subject Access Request) did you use the template in the libary and fill it in as directed, 1/1/07-1/1/01 if you did nothing to worry about if you didnt it can be amended,so dont panic, send off one a week if you want

Keep us informed, and please stay calm

AL

[hughes690]

HI BIG AL: Hello and thanks. I used template letter and followed instructions from 'MoneyExpert.com' site. I presume it is the same?
Will this action suffice?

[hughes690]

Can anyone confirm my action OK?

[Michael Browne]

The 6 years go from when you first became aware of the unlawful charges and contacted the bank about them ie the Data Protection Act request, not from the date of filing your claim

[hughes690]

Thanks Michael: Just to confirm, 12 Dec 06 (see earlier post),
the date of Data Protection Act letter? Most charges against a/c
were in Jan 2001. Please further advise.
I'm so near the 6-year limit and really need reassurance.

[Michael Browne]

Ok, i've just looked at MSE Data Protection Act request and the CAG one is a little more explicit as regards this, since it includes this paragraph:

Furthermore, if I discover that you have levied disproportionate penalties against me, then I shall be reclaiming them, and also reclaiming the enclosed £10 Data Protection Act subject access request fee.

That said though, as far as I'm aware only NatWest routinely dispute charges made beyond the 6 years from the date of filing at court rather than the Data Protection Act letter, but invariably pay up when challenged and quoting s32 of the Limitation Act.

[hughes690]

Thanks, again. Starting to feel a little more confident. Will keep in touch after receipt of data. Watching out daily for postie!

[hughes690]

HELLO - Just had a horrible thought: Should I have sent Data Protection Act request and £10.00, or other notification, to DCA as well as DPA to Woolwich?
Would appreciate further advice.

[Michael Browne]

other notification, to DCA as well

Where did they pop up from? A few details might help.

[hughes690]

OH Dear: Woolwich closed a/c and passed/sold debt to dca several years ago. Have been paying monthly instalments since x £30.00 pm. Where di I stand?? I ask: should I make claim there too? Is claim all against Woolwich?

[e28bigalbexley]

Hi Hughues

Sorry if you spend a little time and fully outline your story we can help as it gets a bit confusing, and you need to relax, dont panic.
Now, yes Data Protection Act S.A.R - (Subject Access Request) should be sent with £10 (which the woolwich return) DCA i would send a DPA SAR to them as well to find out what info they have ie state of the account. You could also ask for deed of assignment they need this from the Bank as they have brought the debt i will get the relevent template for you.
In the meantime please try to deal with my first paragraph.
And Chill

AL

[hughes690]

Thanks BigAl - Having had Woolwich a/c for MANY years, I was made redundant in 1997. Illness then took over my life and things then deterioted financially. In late 2000 and particularly Jan 2001 with a/c overdrawn, cheques, DDs etc charges raised by woolwich snowballed. Living on sickness benefit, funds were not adequate to return a/c into credit. The problem snowballed out of proportion. I opened another a/c with another bank (I have had no problem at any time with this new a/c.which is funded weekly and has cheque book and Debit card - with OD facility).

Several years ago I had contact from DCA and had to make arrangement to pay off several thousand pounds (mostly bank charges) initially £20.00 and lately £30.00 pm. They continue to hound regularly to increase payments.

I remember a letter last year (2006) from DCA stating they had bought debt. I continue payments to them (£30.00pm).

I should also say Woolwich personal loan (which I couldn't repay) I ceased to fund at same time as current a/c. This is also in the same DCA hands (included in £30.00pm payment)

Oh dear! What a mess! My wife and I are pensioners (with our own home, paid for) but without much extra funds. We also receive Pen Cr. and Housing benefit.

Please further advise

[hughes690]

AL: Need to add - I sent woolwich Data Protection Act request, template MSE site, 12/12/06 (ack by them 19/12/06) I await data. They returned £10.00 fee. Second letter they say response by 30/01/07.

[e28bigalbexley]

Ok
I will get someone to have a look at your thread I dare say that nice man Mr Browne will help out too.
Who is the DCA
Try not to worry too much everything will be ok it might take a little time but we will get there, Promise

If you have already sent a S.A.R - (Subject Access Request) then your time limit is safe (although i believe you can claim back beyond that).
The next move i would sugest is to write to the DCA and tell them that the account is now in dispute due to penalties levied on the account by the bank. This will formally notify them of a dispute.
Have aread round the forum and see what happens also i think in the General forum there is a thread on, I'll find it.

Do you have charges going back more than 6 years?



AL

[hughes690]

Will write, as you suggest, to DCA (Equidebt, tho I deal and pay them via Heatons) who are, I think, solicitors at same address in Warks. Thanks. Having a large brandy just now! I raise my glass to all.