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I am looking for some advice on dealing with the Student Loans Company. About 16months ago I struck a deal with them to pay £5/month, which is all I can afford and was done through the CCCS. A condition of this offer was that no more interest would be added to the account and that all interest which had been already added would be removed. In the letter I received from the SLC, they just said that this was fine and to give them my bank details to set up a direct debit and to say how many months I would be paying for. I said 36months at the outset, before any re-negotiations. Since around March of this year, I have been arguing with them about the interest and fees and in general the conditions of my repayment offer. They say that the SLC do not cancel fees and interest. If this is the case, why did they accept my monthly offer, which stated these conditions, I have been asking them, but they just keep saying they don't do that. I have since then offered them a settlement fee, as one of parents has offered me money for this, but again they say they don't do this. In July they claimed to have sent me a re-negotiation letter, where they gave me 4 weeks to reply. I never received any letter from them and they are now saying they need payment in full and since I didn’t reply, I have gone against the agreement of paying the £5/month!!!! What I would like to know is- 1. Can they accept my offer, then go back on the conditions which were set? 2. Does anyone know of the SLC accepting monthly offers in the past? 3. I have also asked for copy of my file they keep on me under the Freedom of information Act, but they say FOI only covers company matters and that I will have to pay £10 for a copy of my file, again is this correct? Thanks KS

They are settling in full. Its just that fact they aren't accepting liability that is annoying, why else would they pay, if they aren't in the wrong. But yes, WOO HOO, I WON.......

The RBS have just offered to settle out of court, it was a small claims court I was going though, as the amount was for under £300. They claim that "The Bank is of the view that its charges are fair, reasonable and transparent and that the amounts debited to your account have been applied in accordance with your agreement withit and in compliance wil all applicable laws and regulations. As such, the Bank does not accept that ir has any liability to you in law or that your claim has any prospects of succeeding in court. Notwithstanding the above, and as a gesture of goodwill, the Bank is willing to pay tou the sum of .............." They have also offered to pay my court fees. What are the actual laws on this matter and does anyone know were I can see them? as the letters I orginally sent to them stated that they were breaking laws and regulations. They have also said in their letter, that if I accept the money, I am not allowed to discuss the matter with any third party, can they do this? I would be grateful for any information, as I don't know whether to call their bluff and go to court!!! Thanks

I have sent both letters to the RBS, the first one they replied to saying that their fees where legal and if I had a problem, I should contact the Ombusman. I then sent the second letter and haven't had a reply, so I would like to go to court, the amount I am claiming for is only around £250. Does anyone have advice for going court? How do I start the court process? How much does it cost? and does the bank meet the cost of court, if I win? I also sent a letter to my local MP, Danny Alexander (Liberal Democrat for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey). He informed me that the Lib Dem's are concerned about the Penalty Charges levied by banks and that he would contact the Office of Fair Trading on my behalf. I would be graft for any information on going to court? Thanks KS

I received an almost identical reply from the RBS, as the one below from mparter, stating that they believe their charges to be fair. I did receive £35.00 "as a gesture of goodwill, but any charges that accrue in the future must stand". I am planning my second letter shortly, although I am concerned about the lack of success from fellow fighters. I do not mind paying overdraft charges, but £28 for going about £100 overdrawn is appalling.