Just thought you might find this interesting; I have been in dispute with NatWest since October last year and they have been adding their charges monthly since. I have just received a "Formal notice of intention to file a default and to take action to recover debt". This also included the threat to inform three credit reference agencies. I have replied, welcoming any court action which would be heard sooner than mine. Also pointed out that if they did inform any credit reference agency about a disputed debt that they would be in breach of the terms mentioned in the forum thread "Get ready to sue credit reference agencies". (Only found that one yesterday, thanks). Oh, and I'm to be charged £30 for this notice. I have offered to repay (and have started) what I consider my part of the debt.

Yes, she had other debts (which she didn't tell me about until after) so I guess they were possibly an added factor. Now she is all square so when we all finally win the appeal, and she gets the rest, she will have some spare! (Perhaps I will get a drink out of it ;0).

Sure, she is a single mum with a six year old child who gets free school lunches. She gets council tax benefit (all paid). She gets some tax credits but I'm not sure what. The only work she does is that she is under contract to social services for one day a week escorting young offenders. So basically income vs outgoings. As for the courts form I don't remember the number but I think you are correct.

I assisted my daughter in a claim for the return of £2100 in bank charges from Barclays, Cwmbran, Gwent. She also put in an application to the small claims court. Both the bank and court sent her an assement form to be considered as experiencing hardship. On receiving the form, Barclays credited her account with £1458 within a few days. Additionally, my daughter received a letter from the bank stating that they would further pay the difference up to the full claim if ordered to do so by the court. We are just awaiting the courts decision as to whether she has to pay the up front court fee. Looks like a good result so far!

So some courts are putting charges reclaims on hold until the OFT deliberates. But some courts aren't. Is one bound to a local court or can we go to the next county to get satisfaction? What is "local" anyway?