I've just come back from hols to a whole load of stuff through the post from Abbey. To cut a long story short, I have been through MCOL and issued court procedings. Abbey wrote to me with their defence, also offering a settlement out of court. I in turn wrote back to them in July, before my holiday saying that I did not accept the settlement sum they offered but counter-offered a sum of £1,250. Whilst I was away I received two letters from abbey. The first one said 'Thank you for your counter offer in the sum of £1,250. Whilst Abbey National Plc appreciates this offer, we are unable to accept the same.' I then received another letter (dated 7 August) several days later which seems to be the standard letter telling me that they have requested a stay, however any offers currently on the table still stand. My questions are - 1. I am assuming that the first letter is a rejection of my counter offer, however the legal jargon (or just the terrible wording!) makes it completely confusing! Is anyone in a position to decipher it?! 2. What do I do now, if anything in response to their letter requesting a stay? Is their original offer on the table - as if so I guess I would now be prepared to settle! Thank you in advance for all your help! Helsteeth I have not recevied

Hi All, I am in the process of reclaiming my bank charges from Abbey. I have filed a case through moneyclaim.com, as Abbey have used a whole variety of stalling ploys and dismissive tactics eg sending me standard letters whilst they 'investigate' my complaint and then putting £285 in my account and telling me that the matter was closed. Abbey have now submitted their defence and forwarded me a copy, together with a covering letter offering me 65% of my total claim (I am claiming £1,252 for bank charges, £208.66 interest and then the court fees of £120, so the total claim is £1,580.66), as a gesture of goodwill and "a genuine attempt to reach an amicable settlement of your claim". They state in their letter that it is unreasonable to expect to not to pay any charges at all. I am now not sure what to do! Has anyone else had settlement offers from Abbey? Would you see this as a good opportunity to negotiate with them a bit more or would you take the offer? Or should I just bite the bullet and take it all the way to court? I know it's a personal thing but I would appreciate the views and opinions of the more experienced bank charge claimants here! Many thanks, Helsteeth

Hi All, I am very new to all this! I have been following the advice on Moneysavingexpert.com but unfortunately this seems to run out just when it gets really tricky! This site seems brilliant, there is just so much information! I have sent Lloyds my letters claiming £655 plus £155.10 interest, they were not forthcoming so I filed with moneyclaim.com. Lloyds then sent back their intention to defend the whole claim. Yesterday I received another letter from the court which says that Lloyds have filed a defence, with no need for an AQ. Northampton County Court have requested that the case is heard at a court which is local to me. I am a little confused as I have read quite a few threads now and could not see anyone who has not had to fill in an AQ. Is this something I should worry about and contest? What do I do now, do I just wait for a court date and then start getting together a bundle or should I start preparing my case now? Apologies for all the questions, it's just that now things seems to have moved away from the 'standard' format I feel as if I am in murky waters! Additionally I received a letter from Lloyds this week advising me that they wrote to me 4 weeks ago (they didn't) and are still investigating my claim, thanking me for my patience! Is this just their automated system churning out letters or should I read more into it? Many thanks for all your help! Helsteeth