Well done, Lesley, and thank you for encouraging others who haven't quite got there yet.

I'd be inclined to agree with blimeyboy that it's another scare tactic, dj9928. Perhaps they think they can wrong-foot you, so you'll agree to a lower offer to make it all go away. Play it cool for now, avoid any more phone calls from them, and keep us informed.

Welcome, Pawilliam. You're correct, it's 14 calendar days.

Hi, Hixxy82. Welcome to the CAG. You'll find everything you need in the templates library. I'd suggest you spend a good while reading round the threads on the banks' forum, and especially the Barclays one as that's your bank - you'll see how the specifics of a 'Barclays' claim pan out - important only in that the banks can vary in their responses. It makes things easier for you if you're aware of what to expect and therefore confident in what you're doing! If you start yourself a NEW THREAD on the Barclays forum, the guys there will be able to offer you support throughout your claim. But by all means, feel free to continue posting in our forum (or any other for that matter) as and when you choose.

It may well be recommended, but I've not seen that it does much good - simply my own opinion that it's a waste of time and effort and was offered as such. Each claimant must take responsibility for their own claim and do as they see best. 8)

You seem to have everything in hand, Joe. Good Luck.

A&L will probably say they're gonna defend. Then you may get an AQ from the court which you'll have to fill in and there'll be a charge for (can't remember if it's £100 or £125 or thereabouts). OR you may be lucky, and after they say they'll defend, you'll receive a cheque for the full amount. If they try fobbing you off with part payment, refuse, as if you play it out you will get the full amount.

Good to see you're still on track, dude.

Despite your fear, you're holding things together marvellously, dk, you should be proud of yourself! Don't be afraid of the judge, (not that I'm convinced it'll get that far - A&L won't want to have to prove to the judge how they reach the figures for their charges!), s/he'll be just and fair. And remember, it's A&L 'in the dock', not you.

Just keep going, you'll get there.

Well Done, Dude!

1 Stop panicing. 2 Stop looking for difficulties. 3 Stop listening to rumour. 4 Take a deep breath, and let this thing play out along the tried and tested route that has been working successfully on the CAG for quite some time now. 8)

Whatever you do Sarah, don't write telling them you'll settle for less!!!!!!!!!!!! Look, you've done all the hard stuff, now all that's left to do is to wait. And apart from anything else, if you cave now you lose all the money you've forked out for letters, court fees, etc. Remember 'fear' is what they (the banks) want. If they can make even a small percentage of claimants afraid enough to back down, then they are quids in, can't you see that? If I were you I wouldn't send them a 'nudging' letter either, just let things play out now. You will not have to go to court. No bank wants to go to court. They cannot stand before a judge and justify the rate at which they have set their charges. You haven't heard of any settlements recently simply because they're playing for time, the longer they can draw things out the more nervous people get, as you'll testify. And nervous people are the most vulnerable in this game - it's a case of who blinks first! They say 'patience is a virtue'; well be 'virtuous', Sarah! You WILL get there.

If the letter hasn't been delivered you need to chase up Royal Mail, they haven't carried out the service you paid for so should return your money. Try sending another copy of the lba via the A&L web site e-mail facility.

Yes, Morphoo, their method of accounting is somewhat interesting. Lots of us would argue that we've come a cropper because of it. Voting with your feet may be the best way of dealing with it. I'm sure you'll make the decision that is best for you and your business, and that you won't make any decision lightly. Good Luck.

p.s. I believe the AQ is a court thing, nothing to do with the bank.

It's natural to feel worried dk, try to chill if you can - easier said than done I know, but do your best. If your imagination is working overtime anyway, why not try to imagine how you'll feel when it's all over and you have a nice fat cheque in your pocket; you're walking down the street on a lovely sunny day like today, and you're going to deposit it in (preferably) some bank other than A&L; now just what can you do with that money, hmmm? All the best, younganfree.

Hi, Lindsay, welcome. Same question as dk has asked - did you send the LBA recorded? If so, and you know they signed for it, then proceed to your next step which is 'court'. They have had their 14 days and more so go ahead.

Usual thing, Markb03, the left hand don't know what the right's doin'!

Unfortunately, Morphoo, I don't think there's any way you can 'force' them to give you back the other £12.50. The only way the people on the forum are getting back their charges is to take A&L to court. Do you want to take such drastic steps for £12.50? Maybe this is one you'll have to chalk up to experience - unfair though it is. Tell me, did you get half the charge refunded after a phonecall or a letter? Sometimes a grovelling letter works better than a phonecall as it gives them more time to consider the situation and save face, than an on the spot conversation allows. Of course you also have time on your side in that if you were to receive more charges in future you could always add this £12.50 to the list and take the legal route then.

They shouldn't touch the loan as it isn't the account being claimed against. If they did it would be totally retaliatory and you'd have good grounds for complaint!

You have to go through the complaints procedure with A&L first before the FOS will get involved, so why not do it now? The sooner you start, the sooner it'll be over.

For some reason, not everyone gets an AQ from the court, (may be geographical!), so don't worry about this.

Not got as far as reading letter yet Rip, but you might want to edit out your account no. too, dude!