Help needed - me v A&L

[angel49]

Hello,

I would be very grateful for some seriously needed help/advice.All that has prevented me from starting my claim against A&L is the fact that I am in receipt of Disability Living Allowance and my money is paid into my account. I am a little nervous that they would close my account without notice and I don't know if another bank would take me on. I'm living on my overdraft which is hefty.

Is there anyone to point me in the right direction?

Thank you in advance

[HONESTKNOB]

They will close your account but they have to give you 30 days notice. I got a co-op basic account with no hassle and my credit is terrible. It gives you internet banking direct debits and an electron card.

[angel49]

Thanks for your response,I will prepare a first letter to them for monday and sort out a new bank account. What happens with the overdraft at A&L?

[caro]

The basic accounts tend not to have overdrafts so you will have to negotiate a payment plan that you can afford. Your claim will clear part, if not all of it. Let us know if you have any problems.

[HONESTKNOB]

A&L do send the payment as a cheque instead of a credit into your bank account so you will then have to decide whether to put it into that account to clear the overdraft or into a new account and then make arrangements to pay the installments off.

[angel49]

Thanks for your acknowledgment, I'm typing up my data protection access request letter want to mail it today if possible.Am also looking for a bank.

 

Another silly question!!!

Do I have to mention to my new bank the reasons I need to switch? Should I just transfer everything to them from scratch i.e direct debits etc and have my money paid to the new account? I'm just concerned that A&L will be brutal, my disability relates to heart problems.

Apologies for appearing scatty,just confused about the order in which to do things and when.

[djweeble]

They will close your account but they have to give you 30 days notice.

 

But they wont !

 

I got no notice at all, they closed mine then wrote and told me, and I haven't even got to the court stage yet

 

Do I have to mention to my new bank the reasons I need to switch

 

No, and if they ask, just tell them you were unhappy with your previous banks service.

[angel49]

Hi,me again!

I am very grateful for everyones help and thank you all for your replies.I'm about to ring bank of Scotland as I understand they offer a basic account and will transfer everything for me.

 

1. Will A & L furnish them with adverse details because I'm switching?

 

2. Should I approach A&L with an offer of repayment on my overdraft before the switch takes place or wait for them to hit me with a demand?

[caro]

1. No. They can't do that.

 

2. I would be inclined to wait until you get your settlement although if they contact you just point out that the account is in dispute so they can't take further action.

[angel49]

Many thanks for your response. I have mailed (recorded delivery) my data protection access along with a postal order for £10.

I'm hopeful of a new no frills account so I will have everything transferred including my income, then wait for A&L to make their demand. Will keep you informed of events.

I feel good that I'm doing something so positive,thanks for your help.

[angel49]

hi all

I rang alliance and leicester today for progress on my statements and they were mailed as of yesterday, so will update when they arrive. I have opened a

basic account and have stopped any further monies going into A & L.

So far so good!!

Thanks guys for giving me the confidence to make the move.

 

A very merry Christmas to everyone and a prosperous New Year to everyone claiming their money back.

[angel49]

Hi

Well all statements have arrived and I'm about to mail LBA 14 day letter. Can anyone explain what I can claim?

I have monthly overdraft facility being charged at £25.00 p.m during 2003-2004 (OD limit £200) then it drops to £5.00 p.m from 2004 to date. my OD limit is now £1000. There are also small amounts of interest added here and there.

I am reclaiming just about the same amount of charges as my overdraft,and if they are going to shut me down anyway they will make sure the overdraft has been paid??????

I do have another basic account set up but if and when they refund me are they likely to put it into their own account to ensure repayment of my overdraft?

[sjude]

HI

 

I had an odraft of £500, but with charges put me up to £575. They have closed account and I have made arrangement to pay off in 6 months.....they told me I had to pay off in that time scale. I have just sent letter before action asking for £475. Feeling nervous about MCOL, but this forum does give you confidence.

[angel49]

Hi Thanks for your response,I've just sent off my 14 day letter after figuring out the list of charges. I'm anticipating them closing my account down, just can't see them handing me a cheque to put in a new account whilst I still owe them my overdraft. All the best with your claim,I'll keep a lookout for your progress and I'll post what happens next with mine.

[angel49]

Received a big NO NO from my 14 day letter from A & L. Do I now send off a letter giving them a further 7 days and include another schedule of charges showing the interest?

[angel49]

Am going ahead with filing a claim tomorrow, other than 3copies of the claim form,schedule of charges showing interest @ 8%. Do I need to take anything else????????

[angel49]

Managed to get the people at the court to help with my questions.

[angel49]

Hi

Have received my court papers today,issued on 5th feb,deemed served 7th feb. They now have until 21st feb to reply.

 

Yesterday I see they have taken a further £34 x 2, £19 interest, and £5 monthly overdraft charge.

 

They notified me on last months statement they would be doing this,but I understood the account is now in dispute and charges are not to be applied,or do I have that wrong????

[jansus]

I have only just started my claim with A&L and am not sure of the answer but I would read the following thread as it has loads of info

 

Mindzai and lucid v lloyds tsb.

 

Also if you check other success stories under A&L you will find info.

 

Also A&L have been fined for closing accounts in retaliation see announcements.

 

Also I think if you Private message a moderator when you start litigation it helps.

 

If this does not help keep posting and hopefully somebody with more experience than me.

 

Keep reading I think it helps.

[angel49]

Jansus, Thanks for the reply. I had an explanation from Martin re the account being in dispute query. Banks are not allowed to take any action whilst the account is in dispute, e.g. close the account etc. but may still continue to apply charges. I'll have a read through the thread you mentioned.

 

I usually enjoy John Grisham or Tess Gerritson novels but they are fast becoming 2nd best to this site!!

[jansus]

glad you got reply - the A&L forum seems a bit quiet at the moment and mostly I am just reading in preparation for my next stage - but sometimes it just helps to hear from someone just to know that people are watching all the threads. Must admit it is a bit addictive - there are some some real successes out there but aso some quite sad stories.

 

jansus