Topic: Compensation at last

[Robert_Brenchley]

After nine months since my application, I've finally had a letter from Criminal Injuries, agreeing my compensation for having a classroom door kicked into my head. The next stage now is legal action against half a dozen banks over unlawful fees. Thery're settling cases every week, and they've had thousands off me that they weren't entitled to, so I want my pound of flesh!

[Dan 2]

Im pleased you've got your compensation, hope the next step goes well, Dan ;-)

[grawrc]

Amazing that it has taken so long!

[Robert_Brenchley]

Apparently it takes months for them to get info from the police; it's a constant problem. They are trying to streamline it, and they're increasing compensation at the top end of the scale, unfortunately at the cost of cutting it at the lower end. Since the kid was cautioned, it should have been straightforward, but at present they're required to get all sorts of details which are probably superfluous for most cases.

[MrsKP]

i missed the start of the saga Robert, but hope you're ok after your ordeal.  it's sounds quite appalling just from your post there !   :o

i hope you get your just deserts with a few extra bits for your trouble, needless stress, hours of endless worry and anger.

if you were a pop star you'd have had compensaton +++++ by now.

[Wicker]

Good on you, Robert, for sticking at it.  Makes me think of

Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small;
Though with patience He stands waiting, with exactness grinds He all

  I wish that were really true and that the unjustly treated  didn't have to work so hard to prove their point - not everyone has your strength, but then that probably comes from your faith so my argument has come full circle - well done so far and good luck for the rest of your fight!! :)

[derbex]

Keep at 'em Robert.

[Heldi]

Good that you have got your compensation and good luck with chasing after those blinking banks!

[busy_lizzie]

Sorry you have had such an appalling time trying to get compensation Robert and good luck with going after the banks,  - hope justic is done. busy_lizzie

[Robert_Brenchley]

It will be; the banks are being taken to court over unlawful penalty charges every week, and they're settling every case at the moment. I'm after six of them.

[Jesse]

pleased to hear your good news Robert :)

[Wicker]

Robert, don't know what progress you have made but thought you might enjoy reading this from our local free paper yesterday - light at the end of the tunnel I hope

[Greenfingers Jo]

for those who wish to pursue the unfair bank charges have a look at www.moneysavingexpert.com.

All the forms, facts and procedures are laid out clearly.
Good luck!

Jo

[Robert_Brenchley]

I've been following that case; it's unusual in that the bank didn't pay up. Usually they settle long before it reaches that case. There are rumours of an imminent ruling form the Office of Fair Trading; they said over a year ago that the banks should charge no more than a court would award (ie no more than the cost to the bank, and what does it cost them to put on a penalty charge?), but they haven't followed through. Hence the developing mayhem.

[redimp]

LloydsTSB is the bank that has caused me so much grief (aired frequently on here) over the past year.  I may have to join you in seeking legal advice.  I have thought about it but I have a proof problem as I do everything online so the only real records are stored with the bank ???.  They could make life difficult and expensive over discovery.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Make a request for the info under the Data Protection Act; they have to supply everything you ask for within 40 days, and can't charge more than £10. You'll find everything you need here, including form letters: http://www.bankactiongroup.com/

[redimp]

Thanks for the info Robert - I will let you know how I get on.  The more of us who act the better.  I feel that what they have done to me is deliberately manipulate my account for profit.  They have moved things around so they don't get paid and then charged me for not paying them - always paying themselves first so yet more bounces.  The more of us who teach them a lesson the better.  I have never hated a company quite like I hate my bank (yes, still haven't managed to extricate myself so I can bank full time with the Co-Op)

[Robert_Brenchley]

I know exactly what you mean; I've had six banks taking me to the cleaner's, with the result that I could never straighten myself out. The more people who do it in reverse the better; it's time their victims turned the tables.

[Wicker]

Lloyds have apparently paid Brian Mullen http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=personalFinanceNews&storyID=2006-03-16T111414Z_01_NOA640357_RTRUKOC_0_BRITAIN-BANK-BAILIFFS.xml can only hope the Office of Fair Trading does carry out its threat to review bank charges - seems they have gone up over 30% on some "products" in the past two years. 
 
Certainly gives my age away when I say that I think back very fondly to the days when my wages came in a little envelope with a payslip every Friday!! Knew where we stood - oh, and we put shillings in the electric meter and the coalman delivered coal - I know, I know I'm seeing it all thru rose coloured specs.............. Good luck to anyone taking on the banks anyway.

[amphibian]

When I had a student account my bank charge £1.50 for returned payments. Now they charge £37.50 on my current account. I suspect the first charge reflects something approaching their 'real' costs, after all students probably have more retrurned payments than most and there is no way the banks would want to lose £36 everytime a student's account isn't in perfect order.