O F T test case delayed 6hrs ago

[bach]

OFT test case on unauthorised bank charges delayed

 

16/01/2008

 

The Office of Fair Trading's test case on unauthorised default charges has been delayed.

 

The case, which sees the OFT take on Abbey, Barclays, Clydesdale, HSBC, HBOS, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland and Nationwide over the legality of fees charged to customers for things like exceeding agreed overdraft limits, was due to begin today (January 16th) at the International Dispute Resolution Centre.

 

But due to the Judge's 'prior commitments running over', the case has been postponed.

 

In a statement, the OFT said: "It is hoped that the case will start before the end of the week."

 

There is currently a freeze on reclaiming bank charges until there is a lawful judgment on the issue, however, those in "genuine financial hardship" will still be considered by banks for a refund on their bank charges, and consumer groups are still urging customers to continue to send their claims in for a potentially swifter refund if the court rules that the charges are indeed unfair and unlawful.

 

Once the test case does commence, it is expected to go on for several months, and if the OFT wins, it is possible that the banks will appeal, which could add a further 12 months to the process.

 

© Fair Investment Company Ltd

[Michael Browne]

9/08 16 January 2008

The OFT's test case on unauthorised bank default charges will commence on Thursday 17 January at 10.30 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre.

 

The OFT has published more information about the case and has a website section that explains more about the work on bank personal current accounts.

[Conniff]

OFT test case on unauthorised bank charges delayed

 

16/01/2008

 

and consumer groups are still urging customers to continue to send their claims in for a potentially swifter refund if the court rules that the charges are indeed unfair and unlawful.

 

 

Obviously they will appeal if they loose, but will OFT appeal if the banks win, probably not.

 

I can just imagine the glee and 'whoopie' in the board rooms if the banks win. They will have grins on their faces that will put a cheshire cat to shame and the bubbly will be flowing. What joy they will have returning all the claims and telling the claiments where to shove it.

We will no doubt hear before the news hits the media as the cheers will be heard on the moon, but I bet they will be too tight to give all the bank staff a bonus, no doubt like the bosses will get.

 

From the OFT website:

The best way to get a good outcome for consumers is to ensure that consumers understand what they are paying and can vote with their feet and move to banks that offer better value for money.

 

Vote with their feet?? It's a big cartel, there is no such thing as competition or better value.