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Hi everyone,
after months of 'procrastination letters re. my claim for bank charges under hardship, I got the 'slap in the face letter' today. I don't know what to do now. This letter pretty much duplicates earlier letters. I don't feel that the bank have either looked at the complaint under hardship, nor dealt with it fairly and in the appropriate times at all.
I hope its ok to post a copy of the letter here which I've scanned in. The up shot is they say they looked at the financial hardship issue under separate cover. My argument is, how? If this is the absolute end comment that they have to offer, I don't see how they've addressed the hardship issue. The outline of my case is I applied for a reclaim of bank charges under hardship way back in June/July 09. I'd paid £5,000 plus over 6 years, all of this was taken from my disability/ I.S. these were charges which just continued rolling and escalating upon earlier charges until I stopped my money going into the bank as I couldn't live, eat or pay bills, since the bank kept helping themselves to biggest percentage of anything that went into the account and \i've 2 kids to look after as well. The bank was aware that I was on benefits. Also, in Sep 2007, my little died very unexpectedly from a rare undiagnosed tumour, she left 3 little ones. I wrote at that time explaining the family circumstances and that things were exceptionally difficult. Although I don't expect the bank to care about my personal circumstances or bereavement, I'd hoped for a bit of understanding at the very least but the charges kept on coming.
I never had a credit card, just a debit card. I had £500 overdraft facility which in early 2000's I seldom used. As time passed, I would be maxed out on overdraft most weeks then my weekly money bring it down, living costs would put me back near limit then charges got silly and were taking me over the limit more and more. The bank reckon I owe them £1100. I reckon they owe ME over £5,000. I don't feel they've even properly addressed my claim. This most recent letter 'concluding' their 'investigation' is just another letter, standard format alost, which has been after months of going around in circles; them apologising for delay and saying they'd be in touch in 'due course', 'soon', blah blah blah. None of their letters seem to me to either concur my situation as being 'hardship', nor refute it. I feel they've simply skirted the issue and made vague comments that allude to hardship but don't actually address it.
I'm devastated I'll be honest. Although I know the situ puts us consumers in a far worse position, I've never had one penny returned to me in terms of the charges. The 'ethical bank' have only served to make my situation impossible and put me and my kids under tremendous strain. I couldn't even contribute my share to my little sisters funeral/service costs on time. My dad covered my part. It just feels like the bank have hidden behind the supreme court ruling and NOT dealt with my case under the guidelines of hardship; despite the fact that my case falls under just about all the criteria set out defining hardship. ie income solely benefits, being charged more than £500 in any year, escalating spiral of charges etc.
I don't want to do anything rash as like many people, I've fought long and hard and by the book for some redress. Any advice would be greatly welcomed. I feel physically sick at the injustice. Not to mention, no doubt moorcroft DCA will be back hassling me.
Sorry this goes on long. Thanks for your patience and in advance, for any suggestions. I'm finding this really hard to keep on top of as in addition, the tumour my sister had (found post mortem) turned out to be hereditary so am currently under hospital getting checked for same. More tests pending as they found some things needing further investigating. My concentration/memory and energy are affected which doesn't help (on top of Narcolepsy). Suffice to say, all these things going on I feel worn to the core but I may be down, but I'm not willing to just give up yet and be out!!! Thanks again LB, you have been and still continue to be, my rock. .
What would be my best way forward now? Is there any point in taking it to FOS?
CatXXX
PS will post letter after this message.:cry::cry::cry::cry:
after months of 'procrastination letters re. my claim for bank charges under hardship, I got the 'slap in the face letter' today. I don't know what to do now. This letter pretty much duplicates earlier letters. I don't feel that the bank have either looked at the complaint under hardship, nor dealt with it fairly and in the appropriate times at all.
I hope its ok to post a copy of the letter here which I've scanned in. The up shot is they say they looked at the financial hardship issue under separate cover. My argument is, how? If this is the absolute end comment that they have to offer, I don't see how they've addressed the hardship issue. The outline of my case is I applied for a reclaim of bank charges under hardship way back in June/July 09. I'd paid £5,000 plus over 6 years, all of this was taken from my disability/ I.S. these were charges which just continued rolling and escalating upon earlier charges until I stopped my money going into the bank as I couldn't live, eat or pay bills, since the bank kept helping themselves to biggest percentage of anything that went into the account and \i've 2 kids to look after as well. The bank was aware that I was on benefits. Also, in Sep 2007, my little died very unexpectedly from a rare undiagnosed tumour, she left 3 little ones. I wrote at that time explaining the family circumstances and that things were exceptionally difficult. Although I don't expect the bank to care about my personal circumstances or bereavement, I'd hoped for a bit of understanding at the very least but the charges kept on coming.
I never had a credit card, just a debit card. I had £500 overdraft facility which in early 2000's I seldom used. As time passed, I would be maxed out on overdraft most weeks then my weekly money bring it down, living costs would put me back near limit then charges got silly and were taking me over the limit more and more. The bank reckon I owe them £1100. I reckon they owe ME over £5,000. I don't feel they've even properly addressed my claim. This most recent letter 'concluding' their 'investigation' is just another letter, standard format alost, which has been after months of going around in circles; them apologising for delay and saying they'd be in touch in 'due course', 'soon', blah blah blah. None of their letters seem to me to either concur my situation as being 'hardship', nor refute it. I feel they've simply skirted the issue and made vague comments that allude to hardship but don't actually address it.
I'm devastated I'll be honest. Although I know the situ puts us consumers in a far worse position, I've never had one penny returned to me in terms of the charges. The 'ethical bank' have only served to make my situation impossible and put me and my kids under tremendous strain. I couldn't even contribute my share to my little sisters funeral/service costs on time. My dad covered my part. It just feels like the bank have hidden behind the supreme court ruling and NOT dealt with my case under the guidelines of hardship; despite the fact that my case falls under just about all the criteria set out defining hardship. ie income solely benefits, being charged more than £500 in any year, escalating spiral of charges etc.
I don't want to do anything rash as like many people, I've fought long and hard and by the book for some redress. Any advice would be greatly welcomed. I feel physically sick at the injustice. Not to mention, no doubt moorcroft DCA will be back hassling me.
Sorry this goes on long. Thanks for your patience and in advance, for any suggestions. I'm finding this really hard to keep on top of as in addition, the tumour my sister had (found post mortem) turned out to be hereditary so am currently under hospital getting checked for same. More tests pending as they found some things needing further investigating. My concentration/memory and energy are affected which doesn't help (on top of Narcolepsy). Suffice to say, all these things going on I feel worn to the core but I may be down, but I'm not willing to just give up yet and be out!!! Thanks again LB, you have been and still continue to be, my rock. .
What would be my best way forward now? Is there any point in taking it to FOS?
CatXXX
PS will post letter after this message.:cry::cry::cry::cry:
) and find my original hardship letter. Thanks again. CatXXX
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