Absolutely Furious!! I've been at work, and got home to find my wife absolutely distraught. Previously, I mentioned about her benefit having been paid into A&L, and writing to them to return ASAP. Unfortunately, a further payment was sent to A&L last week in error. My wife was told that the bank should return it to the benefits office, and they would issue a giro payment to her until bank account up and running. This morning, my wife phoned the benefits to find out what was happening, and they still hadn't received anything back from the bank. She then contacted A&L, where she was told that the account closure wouldn't be finalised until tomorrow, and that surplus funds would be sent by cheque to her after then. At this point, she asked why our letter sent out on the 11th May had never been acknowledged, and how they could keep money which was legally a benefit for specific care purposes. She also pointed out that they had received a cheque to clear the full outstanding overdraft, and that they had no right to forfeit the remainder of money which was lying in an account they had told us was closed!! Basically, she was fobbed off with "there's nothing more we can do". So she asked for a name to make a formal complaint, and was informed that the assistant on the phone would complete a form for her and forward it to the appropriate department. They would then contact us within the week, to inform us that they would be investigating the complaint. Can't understand how that can work - the person she spoke to, could have put anything she liked on the form; and it probably doesn't address all the questions OH asked anyway! I can't believe they have the audacity to say they are closing an account, demand immediate payment of od facility, prevent access to view statements, direct debits etc, and stop withdrawal of two lots of benefit. Seems totally criminal to me!! SAP

Thanks for advice. After 30yrs joint accounting, wife and I trying for separate accounts. More of a "back up plan" than anything else! Anyway, the co-op has accepted me with a basic run of the mill account, which will be fine, and waiting to hear if wife has been accepted for Nat West step account. Still waiting for a reply from A&L to letter I sent, requesting full closing account details, and refund of wife's benefit. I shan't hold my breath that it happens any time soon. SAAP:mad:

Hi Leyla Wishing you luck. Has anyone come along to help you with defence yet? SAAP

Just got back from Halifax, hoping to get a basic account to pay salary into. No Joy!! Any suggestions?

Would be very grateful for any advice. Thanks, SAAP8)

Hi Everyone. I'm sure my story is a familiar one. Struggled all my working life to support my family and make ends meet. Never managed to accumulate saving, and very much a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul! About three years ago, my wife and I changed our bank to Allience & Leicester. We have been living on our overdraft, which we were given of £450. Every time we manged to reduce it, something else cropped up and we were up to the limit again. Anyway, bank charges put us over the overdraft limit a couple of times, and in February we received a default notice. My salary rectified the situation within a couple of days. Yesterday, I received a phone call from a company stating they had been notified that our direct debit had been cancelled. When I went online, I couldn't even access the account! Today, I've had a letter from the bank, stating they have closed the account and notified companies that direct debits no longer active. They have said that despite the default letter, we have remained over the overdraft facility limit - however not strictly true! They refused to send a dd on the 4th and added a charge which took it over by £5. Now wanting their £455 back immediately, with additional charges that may be added on during the month!! To say this has created a real problem is an understatement, and I don't know where to start in sorting anything out. Firstly, there was disability benefit going into the account today for my wife, which we can't access, and presumeably anything being sent to the bank is being claimed by them as repayment. Also bothered that I might not be able to get another account which is necessary as my salary etc has to be paid into a bank. I also have the worry of several cheques which were posted (with guarantee) for bills, which I'm assuming will not be honoured and will also accumulate charges from the companies concerned. Can anyone advise me on what steps I should now take to sort this mess out? My wife's health can't take all this, and I'm definately out of my depth!! SAAP