Just read through this thread and wish you and Mr L all the best, Landy. I think what you discovered in the SAR request was disgraceful and shows just how uncaring they really are. They should be answerable over this, because it shows they were mocking and judgemental. I remember the case of a woman a few years ago who was awarded a few thousand in compensation because the police wrote on the charge sheet 'ugly'. I hope you point their wording out to the FOS to show how dismissive and inhuman they really are. It shouldn't be taken lightly because it was a disgusting thing to do. They really don't give a toss about the impact of the stress your husband suffered, nor the stress of financial hardship. I hope that he is coping well, having been forced to return to something that was the cause of his stress. Good luck to you and keep us updated. xx

Hi Yourbank, Sorry that I confused you! I have had a letter saying that I don't meet the criteria for hardship on my personal account. Have since sent a letter of appeal and rang today to be told that it would be dealt with in the next three weeks. Told them that they were dragging their feet and I was going to ring the FOS, which I did. I explained to the FOS about the refusal for hardship on my personal account and explained to them that I had not claimed on the business account as I was unsure of the position. FOS said that I could claim (on the business account) now because they were not awaiting the outcome of the case on business accounts. The FOS are sending me the forms for both personal hardship so that they can look at the banks decision and also for a new claim on the old business account. I am so angry that they dismissed the hardship claim, when it is obvious to them that income is less than my outgoings at the moment. In 2006 the business overdraft was turned into a loan, so although it is now a loan, part of that were unfair bank charges and I am now paying loan interest on top of the charges. Great way for them to make even more money. Hope I haven't confused you again. There is a connection between the two (well, 3 because they made my loan into a different account of its own) accounts. I have no problems with them charging a fair amount, but the £38 a time caused a spiral. Greedy, greedy banks ( or other words to that effect).

I sent my hardship form along with copies of documents to the Edinburgh address and on Tuesday received what I now understand to be a standard reply, that I do not fall under the criteria for hardship. If I don't qualify then their Chief Executive should try living as frugally and see how he manages. I have more going out than coming in, so what exactly is the qualifying criteria? I rang the number on the letter (an 0845 number where they are making more money with a recorded message stating that claims are on hold - finally got through after pressing all of the options). Spoke to someone who told me to appeal. I know that this is probably yet another delaying tactic on their part, and I intend to complete my letter today, but has anyone else had any success with an appeal? When I started my claim, having paid £10 each for statements on 2 accounts, it was immediately before the cases were put on hold. I went into my bank on the day of this decision, to get an up to date print out so that I could submit the next day. I was told by a member of staff in my bank that claims were on hold until a decision had been reached, knowing that I had just received my statements and was about to submit my claim. Earlier this year I realised that they still had to accept claims and that I had been given the wrong information. I submitted a hardship claim, but only on my personal account, as I was unsure as to whether business account charges (sole trader) were being accepted as I have read conflicting information and still none the wiser. The business account was overdrawn and because of circumstances at that time (early 2006), gave up self employment and got a job. The bank collection centre kept phoning and leaving messages asking me to contact them, which I did and left messages stating that I was trying to reply to them. I eventually got through and was told that they were short staffed! The option I was given was to turn the business overdraft into into a loan. I am paying this now with great difficulty and obviously there is interest because it is a loan. The business account had accrued charges, so I am paying interest on their unfair charges. Does anyone know whether I can claim on a business account? I became self employed again in 2007 and business and circumstances are dire at present and am living to pay Nat West. I am still self employed but am seeking work and taking on any (rare) casual work that comes my way. Sorry for the long ramble, but any guidance regarding the hardship claim or the unclaimed for business charges, would be much appreciated.