What shall I do now..?

[moosticks]

NatWest have been hassling me regarding having exceeded my overdraft limit by a fair amount (the account has been dormant for some time, save the monthly interest, which in turn took me over my limit some time last year, the account has been snowballing since then). I began taking steps to reclaim charges, my first request under DPA received me lots of information about the account, but did not include the transaction lists I haad specifically requested. Upon disputing the fairness of taking my money but not providing me with the information I am entitled to and had asked for, I was forwarded to the complaints department. I received a letter this morning saying as the account has not been used since the start of last year, NatWest are willing to cancel all the bank charges, as long as I pay the original outstanding amount in full by April 26th.

Frankly, I can't afford to do that, but I can probably borrow the money from a friend and pay it back to them in bits. I am wondering if this is indeed my best action, or if I should get back on the phone to NatWest and continue to request the transaction lists to go ahead with charges reclaim? I am suspicious of their sudden change in tone as up until this point they had been very aggressive with me, despite the fact they are fully aware that the past few years have dealt with with redundancy, illness and homelessness, leaving me very poor indeed! I can't help but wonder if they feel I have a strong case and this is what the change in approach is due to?

Has anyone had anything similar to this? Any advice for my best point of action?

[WendyB]

Re: What shall I do now..?

Since the Supreme Court judgement in November reclaiming charges has allbut come to a standstill, although there may possibly be a case for claiming under hardship grounds. Have a read around the forum for more info.
I would be inclined to write back and negotiate, stress the hardship angle, and say that you would like to accept their offer but cannot pay all by 26th April, and make them an offer of repayment at a monthly/weekly amount which you can afford, and asking them to freeze any furhte interest and charges whilst you are repaying the overdraft.