Bank charge campaigners claim fresh success

Cross-border group wins settlements in Hull after "strike out" challenge refused

News, 6 July 2007

Campaigners on both sides of the border for repayment of bank charges levied on account holders are celebrating the outcome of a group of cases at Hull County Court.

Judge Ian Beresford had considered giving effect to a "striking out" application by the defending banks on the basis that the actions disclosed no reasonable prospects of success, but after the action group supporting claimants secured expert help from Raymond Cox QC, the judge agreed to allow the cases to go ahead and to accept new particulars of claim.

Of the 44 cases in court, 37 were then settled in full or nearly in full by the banks, paying out a total of over £50,000. These included Lloyds TSB, which had previously won a similar case in Birmingham.

In the seven cases remaining, the judge ordered the banks to make a full disclosure on charges by 28 September. This requires them to reveal how they arrive at their penalty charges costs, their internal cost structures and all analysis done on costs.

Marc Gander, co-founder of the Consumer Action group, which offers free assistance to people attempting to reclaim charges levied, said: "We're delighted it appears the Yorkshire bank has decided finally to stand firm and allow a test case to go to court. It appears we're getting nearer to a real court decision being made and I wholeheartedly believe that when that happens millions of people across the country will benefit, because everyone should be able to reclaim charges."

Mike Dailly, Principal Solicitor of the Govan Law Centre, which has led the campaign in Scotland, said it had been vitally important to prevent the mass strike out.

"This fightback has been a remarkable cross border effort. Top QC Raymond Cox has been supported by the Govan Law Centre and local solicitor Baser Akoodie, plus a team of volunteers and supporters from both the campaigning websites. It's testimony to the British public's resolve not to give in to the financial sector's exploitation of vulnerable and hardworking citizens."