Thanks a lot Mjanet, that sounds sensible

By the way, they gave me to august 15th to reply, or they say they'll close the file. Does this mean anything?

Hi all I have been reading posts and FAQ's here for sometime, and started my process in June - but have to admit one mistake; I did the silly 'ask for the 8% interest in the prelim letter' thing. IMHO this is the least clear part of the FAQs and Guide (also there have been dissenting voices on this on certain threads and websites as to when to apply interest). ANYWAY, I acknowledge I stuffed up and have got it now, but hope to ask the wise out there, is the following response to the standard Flloyds letter likely to have resolved my initial error and allow me to progress as per usual? In other words have I made a mistake that might mean the appointed solicitors will have an advantage or should I not worry, and send this letter or adapt it?; (Thanks - ps, I have added a 'freindly' bit to the standard letter) Dear Ms. Siddique, I am sorry that you have failed to respond positively to my letter of 07/05/06. I now understand that the regime of 'fees' which you have been applying to my account in relation to direct debit refusals, exceeding overdraft limits and so forth are unlawful at Common Law, Statute and recent Consumer regulations. I would draw your attention to the terms of the contract which you agreed to at the time that I opened my account. It is an implied term of that contract that you would conduct yourselves lawfully and in a manner which complies with UK law. I calculate that you have taken £267.00 since 01 JULY 2002. At this stage, and as a sign of goodwill I would be happy to drop the claim for any interest on my charges if you were willing to repay the charges (£267.00) themselves in full and without delay. I am enclosing a copy of the schedule of the charges which I am claiming. I have already sent you a copy of this in my original letter of the 07/05/06. I am asking for repayment in full of this total as it was taken unfairly and unlawfully. If you do not comply fully within 14 days then I shall begin a claim against you for the full amount plus interest plus my costs and without further notice. I would like to further add that apart from the matters outlined above I have appreciated banking with your organisation and respect what you have done for me and your other customers in terms of providing a good service. Yours faithfully,

hang in there kotum....

Cheers for that! It must feel great to get back money on all those accounts, and well deserved. I think my mistake stemmed from assuming we ask for interest to date first, then interest on the whole lot as a form of ticking encouragement for them to settle once we get a preliminary 'No' from them. I still don't really get why we only ask for the full interest and live interest at the second stage. I guess it's how it's legally triggered, but anyway that's how it's done so that's that and I've learnt for my future claims! I think I will go ahead with my goodwill offer to drop the interest. they didn't mention it at first anyway because I guess they aren't choosing to engage with the issue in earnest until they see me go to court. Thanks again and all the best with the rest Drrjayjo

Hello carly! Firstly, congratulations on your success and thanks for keeping us up to date. Out of interest how have your other claims progressed? Also, a bit of advice please. I am at the first response stage, having recieved the 'end of story, go to the ombudsman' letter from Lloyds. However, I mistakenly added the 8% interest for the life of the charges at the first claim stage. Should I maybe say in my second letter (giving 14 days to action) that I will accept an offer of claim only (no interest) to show good will. If they say no then I can add it at the correct stage, like you did. And can I just check one thing; am I right in thinking we only start adding the interest when we start action? But it is interest for the life of the penalties and still 'ticking' and increasing yes? Why is this, why shouldn't we ask for the interest from the get-go? Anyway, thanks for reading. Any help from anyone much appreciated. drrayjo

So am I right in thinking this is the first time a bank has 'threatened' to call a witness? Is it likely to be just that, a threat, and just a new scare tactic or could it be the start of a new engagement with this issue and a real defence. It's a shame we won't know for sure for another 2 months and 30 days (ish)!

CONGRATULATIONS!! well done for sticking to your guns some advice please: did you record or proof your letter postings and did you send them to your local office or the head office? cheers:)

I would like to agree with sagaloo - it is easy to search back with the internet facility. I did this yesterday in half an hour for free! Questions though please: Now what. Letters with list of charges to local and head offices with proofs of postage. Then wait I suppose? Anyone got experience of what happens next? Cheers