I forgot to mention, their Solicitor gave me a copy of the case of 'Kevin Berwick and Lloyds TSB' as we were waiting to see the judge, and said 'You can see people are now losing these cases for unfair charges, if you want to go ahead we might make the newspapers with this'

To cut a long story short I have mega debt problems and have at long last decided to take my head out of the sand and do something about it. RBOS - I have had an account with them since 1985 (when they took over William and Glyn's - remember them? - I had an account with them) Over the years they have hit me with many penalties and charges. I took out a loan for £15k in 2004 just before I got made redundant and I have struggled to make payments. They have been getting heavy handed with me, so I asked for copy statements so I could work out what they had charged me. they claim that I have only had an account with them since 1993, this is a blatant lie! From the statements they did send I worked out they had illegally charged me £8,048.21 plus interest! They issued N1 claim form against me in Aug 2006 for £15k loan, I wrote back and said -no you owe me - using an average charge figure applied to 1986-1992 - I think they owe me £22k. We had the court hearing 31st May, the judge could not understand why we were not in multi track, and has aksed that RBOS and I try to come to a settlement before this - as I could incur 'substantial costs' if I lose. I quote from the N24 'Before Deputy District Judge Gregory sitting at Manchester County Court Upon hearing solicitor for the the claimant and the defendant in person IT IS ORDERED THAT 1. the case be relocated to the multi track 2. the case shall be stayed until 11th July 2007 for negotiations as to settlement 3. Within 7 days of the end of the period of stay the parties shall jointly notify the court in writing of the outcome of negotiation and what, if any, directions are required. Failure to comly with this direction or properly engage in negotiations may result in the application of sanctions. On receipt of such notification the court file shall be refered to a full time DJ for further directions 4 Costs in the case' The judge advised me to get some legal advice, is there anyone on here who would like to help me with this? I would like to share some other info through PM in case RBOS are reading this.

thanks - I have been reading this site for months and am inspired by everyone

Hello My finances have been very disorganised for years- a big penny has just dropped for me. I have a few accounts where I have paid unfair charges - Alliance and Leicester - £4,068.00 over the last two years, have just filled the Money Claim online court form in today, a bit nervous, but could desperately do with the dosh to get my debts in order. Royal Bank of Scotland - I have done the Data Request thing, and they say they only have records of my account going back to 1993, I am sure I opened the account in 1984, when they were called Williams and Glyns, changed to RBOS in 1985. My charges 1993 -2006 are £8.048.00 and they have sent me a County Court Summons for my loan and overdraft which I have submitted a defence for, I asked for more time until I can establish what they owe me. I was going to try and get Child Benefit Agency to confirm where they have been paying my child benefit as this would show they are lying about the dates on the accounts. I also had two loans in the past with I Group and I am sure I paid charges for late payments with them, I need to do the Data access request with them. Anyway, a bit nervous, but determined to get debt free, and need this money. I think this site is wonderful and am looking forward to making a donation when I get my charges back, thanks to everyone out there Gabby