The 3 main parties all said payment should be swift and automatic if charges were ruled unfair. I can't help but wonder if that means they expected them to be ruled unfair, or if they were just trying to score points with voters, because of course we'll be having a general election this year, and for me the issue of bank charges should be right up there at the top of the agenda. We need to make sure it is.

We can all lobby our own MPs individually, writing letter, emailing, meeting them at their constituency surgeris, which are all good things to do. But we also need to get the media to pay more attention, which in turn will get all the candidates attention, and get them to tell us what they're going to do to stop the banks taking our money!

Demonstration, rally, poster campaign. Let's have your ideas and get bank charges on the agenda and in the media. The election will be within 6 months so we haven't got time to rest on our laurels.

EDIT

Please sign this petition

Petition to: Stop unfair bank charges and return the charges retrospectively. | Number10.gov.uk

Perhaps deal with the current claims in courts and get a success because until then, the banks' can crow on about how they won the test case in spite of the narrowness of the ruling. MP's responded to Martin Lewis prior to the conclusion of the OFT test case and their comments were based on the OFT winning the test case and that further litigation on fairness would have ultimately provided legal clarity. It did not happen that way so ultimately, the way you reverse the current picture is for someone, on any forum, to have a win in court with newer arguments.

Furthermore, when new arguments do emerge then we have to be able to explain that in plain and simple terms(Caro, I know you remember the days when you had to battle the banks rather than the roll over and die approach of the latter templated letters). The problem is, the battle was lost in the media just after the announcement of the OFT test case. I spent probably most of the end of last year dealing with prats on MSE who said that the banks won. In fact, the information ML has on the site is that there is low expectations of getting any money back. Until that issue is addressed then you and I face an uphill battle trying to convince people about that.

You're missing the point yourbank. The point is that if, and I mean IF, the law says that bank charges are fair then the law needs to be changed. It is governments that change laws, and it's the electorate that appoint Governments. If we wait around for new arguments to emerge and be tested, we will miss the opportunity to galvanise candidates of all parties to take up the gauntlet on behalf of bank customers, and it will probably be another 5 years before we have this opportunity again.

Not everyone can study the law, debate and discuss arguments etc, but everyone can campaign by all sorts of methods. You have been keen to mention discussions with the OFT, but it doesn't seem to have occurred to you that a group of people from various sites, including CAG and Penalty Charges in 2006, paved the way for them to appear to listen to consumers (for all the good it did). It was individuals, many thousands from this site that forced the OFT and the banks to try to resolve the issues in court even though they haven't succeeded - yet.

Just because the test case stopped any real progress in recent years does not mean that we can only fight this issue in one way. Wars can be fought on a number of different fronts, and now the test case is out of the way, we can move on and work on new strategies. I believe in people power, and between us I'm sure we can come up with a number of ways of achieving the outcome we're all seeking.

If you don't have a positive contribution to offer, then please do not dismiss those that do.

Don't forget Martin Lewis is in the media, and he hasn't lost interest.

You're missing the point yourbank. The point is that if, and I mean IF, the law says that bank charges are fair then the law needs to be changed. It is governments that change laws, and it's the electorate that appoint Governments. If we wait around for new arguments to emerge and be tested, we will miss the opportunity to galvanise candidates of all parties to take up the gauntlet on behalf of bank customers, and it will probably be another 5 years before we have this opportunity again.

"IF" means uncertainty which there still is and therefore the government cannot really legislate necessarily over the EC Directive from 1993 because the contract has to be fair to both the "seller" and the "buyer" so we can't simply legislate in the consumers favour simply because it might show bank charges to be fair. "IF" charges are fair then surely other issues are more important, ie economic stability, reduction in national debt, job creation, etc,etc.

Not everyone can study the law, debate and discuss arguments etc, but everyone can campaign by all sorts of methods. You have been keen to mention discussions with the OFT, but it doesn't seem to have occurred to you that a group of people from various sites, including CAG and Penalty Charges in 2006, paved the way for them to appear to listen to consumers (for all the good it did).

We can go back to 2006 if you want but have CAG as a site spoken to the OFT in December 2009 as Penalty Charges, MSE and LB have already done? That dialogue should continue at least for the first part of 2010. 4 years ago we were arguing penalties in law which is more or less out of the equation.

It was individuals, many thousands from this site that forced the OFT and the banks to try to resolve the issues in court even though they haven't succeeded - yet.

Furthermore, the media battle was being won by bank charges campaigners as well, so much so that everyone was reclaiming charges even if it had been just 1. However, since the SC judgement the media battle ie being lost.

Just because the test case stopped any real progress in recent years does not mean that we can only fight this issue in one way.

I think there has indeed be real progress since the OFT test case started. CAG being invited to have an active dialogue with the OFT is progress. The evidence presented in the OFT test case could ultimately back fire on them. RBS Group lowered their charges which is something they wouldn't have done before the OFT test case began.

Wars can be fought on a number of different fronts, and now the test case is out of the way, we can move on and work on new strategies. I believe in people power, and between us I'm sure we can come up with a number of ways of achieving the outcome we're all seeking.

Through dialogue yes, and by discussion of the way forward which is happening.

If you don't have a positive contribution to offer, then please do not dismiss those that do.

Caro, if you feel my contribution is negative then tell me how it is negative because I haven't rubbished your ideas and I haven't said anything negative about your post but stated what I have seen and what has to happen because we as campaigners are LOSING the media battle.

Don't forget Martin Lewis is in the media, and he hasn't lost interest.

Martin Lewis issuing a statement does give us necessarily a win in the media battle. Action rather than words speak louder. Remember, 1 win is all it will take to put wind back into the sails.

EDIT: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/savings-and-banking/bank-charges/article.html?in_article_id=496153

First news story on bank charges in 2010. It paints a far more negative picture than I could ever do

You're missing the point yourbank. The point is that if, and I mean IF, the law says that bank charges are fair then the law needs to be changed. It is governments that change laws, and it's the electorate that appoint Governments. If we wait around for new arguments to emerge and be tested, we will miss the opportunity to galvanise candidates of all parties to take up the gauntlet on behalf of bank customers, and it will probably be another 5 years before we have this opportunity again.

"IF" means uncertainty which there still is and therefore the government cannot really legislate necessarily over the EC Directive from 1993 because the contract has to be fair to both the "seller" and the "buyer" so we can't simply legislate in the consumers favour simply because it might show bank charges to be fair. "IF" charges are fair then surely other issues are more important, ie economic stability, reduction in national debt, job creation, etc,etc.

Not everyone can study the law, debate and discuss arguments etc, but everyone can campaign by all sorts of methods. You have been keen to mention discussions with the OFT, but it doesn't seem to have occurred to you that a group of people from various sites, including CAG and Penalty Charges in 2006, paved the way for them to appear to listen to consumers (for all the good it did).

We can go back to 2006 if you want but have CAG as a site spoken to the OFT in December 2009 as Penalty Charges, MSE and LB have already done? That dialogue should continue at least for the first part of 2010. 4 years ago we were arguing penalties in law which is more or less out of the equation.

It was individuals, many thousands from this site that forced the OFT and the banks to try to resolve the issues in court even though they haven't succeeded - yet.

Furthermore, the media battle was being won by bank charges campaigners as well, so much so that everyone was reclaiming charges even if it had been just 1. However, since the SC judgement the media battle ie being lost.

Just because the test case stopped any real progress in recent years does not mean that we can only fight this issue in one way.

I think there has indeed be real progress since the OFT test case started. CAG being invited to have an active dialogue with the OFT is progress. The evidence presented in the OFT test case could ultimately back fire on them. RBS Group lowered their charges which is something they wouldn't have done before the OFT test case began.

Wars can be fought on a number of different fronts, and now the test case is out of the way, we can move on and work on new strategies. I believe in people power, and between us I'm sure we can come up with a number of ways of achieving the outcome we're all seeking.

Through dialogue yes, and by discussion of the way forward which is happening.

If you don't have a positive contribution to offer, then please do not dismiss those that do.

Caro, if you feel my contribution is negative then tell me how it is negative because I haven't rubbished your ideas and I haven't said anything negative about your post but stated what I have seen and what has to happen because we as campaigners are LOSING the media battle.

Don't forget Martin Lewis is in the media, and he hasn't lost interest.

Martin Lewis issuing a statement does give us necessarily a win in the media battle. Action rather than words speak louder. Remember, 1 win is all it will take to put wind back into the sails. Today 10:59

Caro, Im with you all the way, I beleive we should lobby MP's as you said everyone of them agreed that the charges were unfair. If we work quickley we could affect the outcome of who is elected next.

It's a pity we don,t have someone like Joanne Lumbley behind us.

It we all stick together we can change things to our advantage.

Lobby Lobby and Lobby. Media Media Media, keep talking about it keep on at the banks, lets stand up for our rights and I for one am fed up to the back teeth of the "establishment " they are all in the old boys network, and just one day they will fall quicker than they rose in their ranks. Remeber those on the way up, because on the way down they won't want to know you.

Lynn

Re: Bank Charges Campaign Continues

 

You're missing the point yourbank. The point is that if, and I mean IF, the law says that bank charges are fair then the law needs to be changed. It is governments that change laws, and it's the electorate that appoint Governments. If we wait around for new arguments to emerge and be tested, we will miss the opportunity to galvanise candidates of all parties to take up the gauntlet on behalf of bank customers, and it will probably be another 5 years before we have this opportunity again.

"IF" means uncertainty which there still is and therefore the government cannot really legislate necessarily over the EC Directive from 1993 because the contract has to be fair to both the "seller" and the "buyer" so we can't simply legislate in the consumers favour simply because it might show bank charges to be fair. "IF" charges are fair then surely other issues are more important, ie economic stability, reduction in national debt, job creation, etc,etc.

 

Few things in life are certain, but if European legislation is not in the national interest then a member state does not have to comply with it, and there are circumstances where national legislation takes priority over European. I don't see the point in arguing that other issues are importand if bank charges are fair, because we both agree (I think) that they aren't.

 

Not everyone can study the law, debate and discuss arguments etc, but everyone can campaign by all sorts of methods. You have been keen to mention discussions with the OFT, but it doesn't seem to have occurred to you that a group of people from various sites, including CAG and Penalty Charges in 2006, paved the way for them to appear to listen to consumers (for all the good it did).

We can go back to 2006 if you want but have CAG as a site spoken to the OFT in December 2009 as Penalty Charges, MSE and LB have already done? That dialogue should continue at least for the first part of 2010. 4 years ago we were arguing penalties in law which is more or less out of the equation.

 

You mean the OFT failed to appeal over the issue of penalties in a case where the banks appealed the decisions that went against them. I can't comment on the responses from the higher echelons of CAG to the OFT, but given the 2 and a half years they've held up the campaign to date, I won't hold my breath.

 

 

It was individuals, many thousands from this site that forced the OFT and the banks to try to resolve the issues in court even though they haven't succeeded - yet.

Furthermore, the media battle was being won by bank charges campaigners as well, so much so that everyone was reclaiming charges even if it had been just 1. However, since the SC judgement the media battle ie being lost.

 

Which is precisely why we need to turn it around.

 

Just because the test case stopped any real progress in recent years does not mean that we can only fight this issue in one way.

I think there has indeed be real progress since the OFT test case started. CAG being invited to have an active dialogue with the OFT is progress. The evidence presented in the OFT test case could ultimately back fire on them. RBS Group lowered their charges which is something they wouldn't have done before the OFT test case began.

 

I find this bit confusing. Whose evidence could backfire on who? Doesn't the fact that the RBS have apparently lowered charges, and indeed that most other banks have changed them, suggest to you that there was something wrong with them in the first place?

 

 

Wars can be fought on a number of different fronts, and now the test case is out of the way, we can move on and work on new strategies. I believe in people power, and between us I'm sure we can come up with a number of ways of achieving the outcome we're all seeking.

Through dialogue yes, and by discussion of the way forward which is happening.

 

Dialogue, lobbying, peaceful action and whatever legal means are at our disposal. We've seen the effect of relying entirely on one action.

 

If you don't have a positive contribution to offer, then please do not dismiss those that do.

Caro, if you feel my contribution is negative then tell me how it is negative because I haven't rubbished your ideas and I haven't said anything negative about your post but stated what I have seen and what has to happen because we as campaigners are LOSING the media battle.

 

As I have said, that is why we need to remedy this. You have posted on numerous other threads what you've seen and what you think, now I for one am providing another option.

 

Don't forget Martin Lewis is in the media, and he hasn't lost interest.

 

Martin Lewis issuing a statement does give us necessarily a win in the media battle. Action rather than words speak louder. Remember, 1 win is all it will take to put wind back into the sails.

Well, I think we should have a demonstration. I know that everyone on my 'Another suicide,,,' thread would be up for it, and I'm sorry I haven't been active on that for a few weeks due to having to deal with a court case.

I also know a number of people who are not on CAG who would certainly be willing to demonstrate.

Our idea on the other thread was to demonstrate about bank charges, including the bl**dy reserve fee, but also about late payment charges from British Gas and other organizations too. You can't pay your bill because you simply don't have the money, so you get penalised and owe more money. You can't do your bills by direct debit because the money may not be in your account, so you get charged £3.50 or more for not using direct debit. Obviously if you set up a direct debit and there is no money to pay it the bank returns it and you get charged by the bank and the organization too.

The bank charges are a major issue, but so are all these other issues too. If we are going to have a demonstration, can we include all these other issues too? They are all contributing to the reasons so many of us are in such a horrible mess.

DDx

On the other thread we certainly thought we should get a celebrity on board.

What about Michael MacIntyre? He showed what he thought of the DCAs by refusing to perform at their Christmas party, bless him.

I think it really depends on what form the action takes DD and where it is targetted, but I agree that other charges are an issue too and need addressing.

The problem is that there are so many issues that need dealing with that I'm not sure that dealing with everything together would work.

There's no reason at all not to have a number of campaigns and target organisations like British Gas. Indeed there's an idea on the thread linked here. Pre-pay meter users 'due rebate - The Consumer Forums

I agree entirely on your last point, but in all honesty this is likely to take some time yet, so in the meantime I see no problem with being proactive.

Have you guys not been proactive since November 25th? Sorry to pick up on this but discussions have been going forward since then all over the place so I am not sure why CAG is the last to look at this.

The purpose of this thread is to discuss how to campaign and lobby effectively, and prove to parliament, the banks and the OFT that the Great British public will not roll over and give up. Not everyone in the campaign has the ear of the OFT, and make their representations in other ways.

Vince Cable tabled an Early Day Motion 283 on 30th November 2009 of which there was just 70 signatures on it(the story appeared on MSE but not sure it achieved that much coverage here)

UK Parliament - Early Day Motions By Details

Can I ask what lobbying is intending to achieve?

With newer advice coming out in 3 weeks. is that not saying something about how the campaign will proceed?

At the moment, there is a lot of words but ACTIONS is what will help.

CAG now has the ear of the OFT as a campaign group. They chose not to attend in person in December but arrange for a conference call. They are still party to the further talks with the OFT during 2010.

If you are demonstrating as I read the post below this one, can I ask who or what or where is the demonstration happening?

On the other thread we certainly thought we should get a celebrity on board.

 

What about Michael MacIntyre? He showed what he thought of the DCAs by refusing to perform at their Christmas party, bless him.

Good idea DD. When we've got more ideas of how to proceed it may well be worth contacting him to see if he'd help out.

Originally Posted by caro

Have you guys not been proactive since November 25th? Sorry to pick up on this but discussions have been going forward since then all over the place so I am not sure why CAG is the last to look at this.

Not sure who you mean by "you guys", but I don't recall saying that CAG weren't being proactive.

Hi yourbank,

We have been discussing a demonstration on Yet Another Suicide through Debt. We're going to fight back NOW!!!

There wasn't much point in doing anything in the Silly Season for obvious reasons.

I think it's a question of whether we put all the complaints together, including DCA behaviour too, which ties in with the conduct of the banks and other institutions chasing for money.

DD

well im in for some peacefull demo and hit where it will get the most publicity right outside downing st it is time to let them know we have had enough

Well it should be a peaceful demo as we're all on the same side, and I can't see a counter-demo by the banks and DCAs.

 

EDIT: Can I reclaim bank charges in 2010? | This is Money

 

First news story on bank charges in 2010. It paints a far more negative picture than I could ever do

Exactly why we need to show the media we're still in there fighting, and the banks haven't got rid of us yet.

Caro, Im with you all the way, I beleive we should lobby MP's as you said everyone of them agreed that the charges were unfair. If we work quickley we could affect the outcome of who is elected next.

 

It's a pity we don,t have someone like Joanne Lumbley behind us.

 

It we all stick together we can change things to our advantage.

Lobby Lobby and Lobby. Media Media Media, keep talking about it keep on at the banks, lets stand up for our rights and I for one am fed up to the back teeth of the "establishment " they are all in the old boys network, and just one day they will fall quicker than they rose in their ranks. Remeber those on the way up, because on the way down they won't want to know you.

Lynn

Thanks for the support Lynn:)

Vince Cable tabled an Early Day Motion 283 on 30th November 2009 of which there was just 70 signatures on it(the story appeared on MSE but not sure it achieved that much coverage here)

UK Parliament - Early Day Motions By Details

 

Can I ask what lobbying is intending to achieve?

With newer advice coming out in 3 weeks. is that not saying something about how the campaign will proceed?

At the moment, there is a lot of words but ACTIONS is what will help.

CAG now has the ear of the OFT as a campaign group. They chose not to attend in person in December but arrange for a conference call. They are still party to the further talks with the OFT during 2010.

If you are demonstrating as I read the post below this one, can I ask who or what or where is the demonstration happening?

• Lobbying is the practice of influencing decisions made by government.

The purpose of this thread is to discuss what is likely to be the most effective course of action, and a demonstration could be a possibility.

Joanna Lumley is an excellent example of a celebrity with a conscience who has made a difference, and Vanessa Redgrave is another.

What decisions do you want to influence ? Effective course of action to acheive what ?

If historicals then fine, and we need to work on the legal aspects too

If future of banking, then fine again, but you can also help influence the future of banking by involving yourselves and Caggers in the work of the OFT and the implementation and monitoring groups.

Page 19 http://oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/personal-current-accounts/oft1154

We need to have a direct link to an online Government Petition and Caggers can get signing in one place because lots of names count.

Petition asking for ? ..............

http://www.number10.gov.uk/communicate/e-petitions when they are ready to open for business.

All suggestions welcome

What about everyone doing an individual stand outside their own bank, on the same day.

We could ask the banks customers to sign a petion if they feel bank chargers are unfair.

We could have the petion as a Corporate petion with C A Gs logo make if look offical, then the signitures collected could be forwarded to Site Team for further use.

We could also pass to their customer a flyer offically designed of course by the CAG, explaing what we are about.

Just nocking a few ideas around.

Okay people feel the charges are unfair, the OFT feel the bank charges are unfair, government feel the bank charges are unfair.... they are taking what action they can, but need to do more, and need to be guided and encouraged.. so WHAT do you want them to do about it ? REALISTICALLY ?

Hello Folks!

I think the thrust of any Demo or Campaign should be along the lines of a call for the restoration of the full intention and powers of The Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Make it clear we object to that once fine Act being systematically turned into...

The bankers Retrospective Protection Act.

The people need proper protection from the banks whereas the banks do not need any protection from the people.

We need a Logo and/or a single phrase to get the overall message across, something like:

Bring back The Consumer Credit Act 1974!

Or...

We demand a new Consumer & Business Protection Act!

Or...

Financial Democracy NOW!

Or...

End banking Dictatorship NOW!

Or...

End Debt Slavery!

Suggestions please? Preferably something with the word bank or banker in it, and not in a flattering sense!

All else can flow from that, such as the horror stories of debt suicide and the abject misery and financial ruin the banks have forced upon millions of people.

Iceland might be a case in point, because 25% of the entire population has just signed a petition to say they do not want to pay for mistakes made by their bankers.

Icelandic revolt upsets Icesave deal - Telegraph

People really hate banks, at long last, and that is a powerful force. It just needs to be given some focus and direction. The timing could not be better, given that there is a General Election looming up fast!

The annoyingly similar Yellow, Blue and Red banking politicians may then be swept aside by a more democratic and sincere Party willing to listen, or they may at least be sufficiently scared by that prospect to sit up and take an interest...and do something in our favour (or join the queue for Job Seeker's Allowance)!

I think this Recession is not over, we have some real pain and grief yet to come. All of the number-money injected into the banks to prop them up will hit the economy at some stage, i.e. when the banks' Bond Holders elect to start spending it (no doubt when buying our assets at knock-down values as we struggle to pay for this big banking debt beano). When it does, bend over and hang on to your socks, because Inflation will come back like a Mongol invasion.

We need protection from these banking cretins. The Courts are steadily taking ever larger bites out of the 1974 Act (following on from the big bite that the 2006 Act removed). Thus, the Judiciary also needs to be made aware that people are wise to this, and have simply had enough.

We deserve and demand some real Financial Democracy, not the grasping and incompetent banking dictatorship that we are currently lumbered with.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

BRW

What decisions do you want to influenoutce ? Effective course of action to acheive what ?

Fight bank charges.

 

If historicals then fine, and we need to work on the legal aspects too

 

That goes without saying.

 

If future of banking, then fine again, but you can also help influence the future of banking by involving yourselves and Caggers in the work of the OFT and the implementation and monitoring groups.

 

Page 19 http://oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/personal-current-accounts/oft1154

Speaking for myself Nattie, I work full time and have a family so have to do what I can, when I can. Thank you for the link, but what is being discussed here is alternatives to run along side efforts that others are making in other areas, such as with the OFT and producing new POCs.

If others wish to pursue your ideas that is their choice, but I have to confine my own energies to areas where I think I'm most likely to be effective, and leave those with the time and inclination to deal with the OFT to do so.

If you wish to discuss what's happening with the OFT I would politely request that you start a thread about it as it's off topic for this one. Feel free to provide a link on here, then those on this thread can see what you have to say and comment if they have something to say.