A/c closure letter-ho hum-FOS steps help rqd, please.

[ampersand]

Received the (apparently)standard A&L letter over the weekend for closure of my account(14 March or soon after), now that I have successfully reclaimed my charges.

I have read the recent articles about the FO declaration on these and subsequent awarding of compensation to those affected.

I'm happy to be rebuked for failing to read the threads/site properly, but cannot find the follow-up procedure after several days' hunting.

Battleaxe has provided me with an overview on what happens, but a nitty-gritty step-by-step would be useful.

..for me, at least.

Many thanks in advance.

[wez1211]

As the decision by the FOS against A&L is the first of its kind, so far, there is no step by step guide. And as the FOS have been saying, each case is different. That said they have also said that they will rule against the bank if it looks like the bank has closed the account as retaliation for claiming charges and not 'breakdown in relationship' (wot a load of tosh, not a marriage is it!)

 

I can only offer advice from my experience really. I would say this, the account closure will cause you hardship/stress/inconvenience/suicidal thoughts etc - lay it on and put this is a complaint letter to A&L and ask for compensation to pay for the time off work/travel costs/phone calls that you had to make to sort out your affairs. Keep persisting with A&L and keep asking for compensation until the complaints procedure is exhausted and they issue a final decision letter, which will deny your request, and then go to the FOS as they will adjudicate on the stalemate. (Of course if A&L pay compensation then you will have to consider the matter resolved - so set your figure high).

 

Unfortunately, at the moment there is no precedent for keeping the account open. Thats why you need to open a new account pronto (if you havent already done so) and if there is borrowing on the account you need to clear this asap.

 

Hope this helps

 

WEZ1211

[ampersand]

Many thanks WEZ1211 -

This is my only chq. a/c- I do particularly wish to have one-and receives my only regular income which is Incapacity Benefit. It's tight-just over £80 weekly-but I have no borrowings.

Travel costs will increase as they have closed down my Branch and I communicate with them only by Recorded Delivery letter.

Yes, I think my best course is to show firm but courteous reason with them against which their response may appear churlish and/or vindictive.

I will remind them of their own failed committment re: DD's(which should be present in their recordings, if kept)and false assurance of their '5-day flexible drawing period' re: these.

It does seem foolish of A&L to persist on this tack, when I took care from the first to write that I am a loyal soul who felt distressed at being forced to take action to reclaim my charges.

Hmmm....we'll see.

Thankyou again.

[wez1211]

The fact that you are on benefits is more ammunition for your complaint.

 

Check other threads re benefits as I think you can prevent closure in these circumstances as there is relevant legislation (...I think, can anyone else comment?).

 

Set up a post office account just in case. You dont need any credit history or to be employed for these accounts.

 

Best of luck.

 

WEZ1211