Hi Shaun, Basically don't panic... I started two actions against Lloyds ... one on my business account for about £750, the other on my personal account for £4,500. Despite the personal account action being started one month earlier, they have offered a full refund on the lesser amount already on the grounds that they couldn't justify the legal fees associated in fighting. They have issued a defence on the larger action - presumably in the hope that I'll back down. I'll keep you posted on developments.

Hi everyone, I have an action against the above due to hit court in a couple of weeks. They have submitted a defence based on their contention that excess fees applied to my account are in fact service rather than penalty charges. They contend that, by issuing a cheque at a time when there are unavailable funds in my account, I am effectively requesting them to supply an additional service in bouncing the item and the charge therefore relates to the provision of this "service". Does anyone have any experience of challenging this rather perverse defence? All advice gratefully received. Almac