Are pensioners under hardship?

[themadcap]

my mother is a widow on basic state pension aged 64 she has no other form of income yet has been charged over £300 this year by HSBC does this not fall under the BBA code of practice as she has the minimum amount allowed by the government to survive yet the bank take a chunk from this, if she was unable to pay water rates heating etc and was to die of hyperthermia would the bank to be to blame?

Anyone can help let me know as she is due another £50 charges on 11th Sept out of her whopping £106 weekly state pension

cheers

[rory32]

Has she requested her charges back yet?

[themadcap]

Has she requested her charges back yet?

hi

ive just sent a letter requesting via their website for her

[rory32]

Okay, as her income is made up of the state pension (a form of state benefit effectively) the bank should look into it as a matter of priority. If they don't or don't give a positive outcome then refer the matter to the FOS.

 

You/your mother will have to stress, however, that this is her sole income and the bank charges are causing her really financial hardship. They should then look into it as per the FSA statement on hardship cases.

[Castlebest]

There may be some helpful info on this thread and I'm sure van wouldnt mind you PMing him if you have any questions hes a great chap

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/hsbc-bank/105969-old-age-pensioner-hsbc.html

 

pete

[themadcap]

Okay, as her income is made up of the state pension (a form of state benefit effectively) the bank should look into it as a matter of priority. If they don't or don't give a positive outcome then refer the matter to the FOS.

 

You/your mother will have to stress, however, that this is her sole income and the bank charges are causing her really financial hardship. They should then look into it as per the FSA statement on hardship cases.

thanks,

the bank have just fobbed her off today - charges are fair etc no mention of hardship or fact that this week she has paid her entire £108 state pension off her charges and left with 0p for the rest of the week - no heating food etc

thanks for the help

[themadcap]

waiting on fos now

[vandermerwe]

Hi madcap. Have just replied to your PM which I might not have done correctly. Please confirm here that you received it.

 

If in doubt, go to the first Welcome section and read reply to "any advice" yesterday or the day before.

 

Good luck.

 

Vandermerwe

[Rayne]

i'd go public if it was me tbh - thats about as low as u can get

 

i'd suggest another course of action but i would probably get banged up under the prevention of terrorism act....

 

makes me laugh - who the ****ing hell do the banks think they are??????

[vandermerwe]

Hi the madcap.

 

As Rayne says, go public.

 

My problem is I am not a computer geek and can't link all my posts together but I know I have posted two excellent contacts that will help you in the weekend press.

 

Try the 'taking benefits' links, but if you have the slightest difficulty just respond here and I'll repeat the details for you.

 

It's just I have had one of the worst possible days but I'll be up and chipper tomorrow.

 

We're all her for you!

 

Regards.

 

Van

[rory32]

The alternative is to suggest to your bank first that you are willing to go public and contact the press on this. It might just give them the nudge required.

[lateralus]

here's one link to try - Right of Appropriation - Stop the bank from taking your

[themadcap]

Thanks everyone I have been told by HSBC's Heidi Daniels

Manager Customer Credit Services that is is being dealt with by the relevant department after first giving me the usual "charges fair etc" spiel I have given my mother £200 in order that she can eat and pay bills this month so she is okay at present but stil await a decent response for her

[vandermerwe]

Hi madcap.

 

I have two utter loathings in my life (well maybe one or two more!)

 

Number One: Computers. They don't work like I expect them to.

 

Number Two: Banks. They don't behave like they should using my money.

 

Do you believe there is actually someone named Heidi Daniels in HSBC actually writing you a letter? She must be a fairly prolific writer - much more productive than J. K. Rowling for instance - because she has sent me plenty.

 

I'd actually prefer to think she didn't exist since I had a Heidi once - an adorable miniature dachshund - who was run over by a drunken driver in my own quiet cul-de-sac. I did something I have never done before or since - I went to his house and hit him in the face, and then buried little Heidi.

 

But now we have a Miss A. C. Pridmore - same bulldust - but at least she acknowledges her feminity.

 

On message #10 I said I would be 'up and chipper', but just between you and I wasn't.

 

Mrs. Van diagnosed with clinical depression and reacting badly to medication, best friend dying with cancer (50 miles away) and water board threatening to cut off water supply. Few other things as well.

 

Don't despair I'm telling Miss Pridmore what I am going to do with our benefits and how she can whistle for the bank's cheque guarantee card to be cut up and returned.

 

Most regrettably, my generation never really learned the vulgar tongue these parasites seem to use and enjoy so it's difficult to respond.

 

Mind you, I did make what 'soldierboy' thought was an appropriate suggestion to his problem with Abbey.

 

Tomorrow, the letter goes - promise.

 

Regards.

 

Van