LINKS: Please note that information re links is given without any liability. The information is intended to be helpful.

BANK CHARGES COMPLAINTS .  

The Office of Fair Trading website should be consulted for their latest update. Use the OFT search for 'bank charges' to monitor updates http://www.oft.gov.uk/search

THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (F.S.A.) See comments on bank charge complaints http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/consumerinformation/product_news/banking/unauthorised_overdraft_charges_/index.shtml

Govan Law Centre (based in Govan, Scotland) has useful information on many consumer issues including bank charges.  http://govanlc.blogspot.com/2009/12/bank-charges-update-where-are-we-now.html  Up to date information at http://govanlc.blogspot.com/p/bank-charges.html

Money Saving Expert (Martin Lewis) has regular update advice for those wishing to reclaim bank charges for hardship reasons http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges-hardship and http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/oft-bank-charges http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges

(see Debtwise view and fuller information in Disputes/Claims/Liabilities Section)

PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE: do not use claim companies! Claim yourself after looking what to do!

For information see Guardian article http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/sep/04/mis-sold-ppi-how-to-claim also http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/apr/23/ppi-compensation-claim?INTCMP=SRCH and Moneymadeclear (established by the Financial Services Authority) http://www.moneymadeclear.org.uk/products/insurance/payment_protection.html . The facts about PPI are covered in a free downloadable guide called 'Just the facts about insurance'.  The FSA website has policy information http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Library/Policy/Policy/2010/10_12.shtml (measures to protect consumers). The Financial Ombudsman Service guidance on PPI is at http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/technical_notes/ppi.html

PPI :April 2011 Court Ruling: CAB advice http://www.citizensadvice.info/index/pressoffice/press_index/press_20110420.htm The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/apr/20/ppi-court-ruling-your-questions-answered Daily Mail Money Mail http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/credit-and-loans/ppi-mis-selling/article.html?in_article_id=531059&in_page_id=506 Financial Services Authority http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/consumerinformation/product_news/insurance/payment_protection_insurance_/ppi_court_judgment/index.shtml Which? see http://www.which.co.uk/campaigns/personal-finance/the-ppi-campaign/mis-sold-ppi/ and www.which.co.uk/ppicomplaint

CLAIM MANAGEMENT COMPANIES : If an individual wishes to use a claim management company (which normally gives free advice but will charge for success in any claim) please ensure any claim handling company is regulated by the Ministry of Justice at www.claimsregulation.gov.uk . NOTE: The Ministry of Justice have warned claim management companies http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease170209a.htm about misleading statements (17th Feb 09). It is not recommended that claim management companies are used for PPI claims as there is sufficient online guidance to make a claim without cost.

CONSUMER CREDIT ACT AGREEMENTS : There is a lot of forum comment regarding possible unenforceability of CCA Agreements and Claim Companies offer to look at an Agreement (normally for a fee). There is ongoing legal work concerning the validity of CCA Agreements where a lump sum has been added up front or incorrect interest has been quoted. Debtwise strongly recommends that great care be taken before paying a fee for a CCA Agreement to be 'checked'. If anyone has any views please feel free to email adv@debtwise.co.uk in order that information can be shared.

DEBT HELP ADVICE

See below for advice in individual areas. The Government Insolvency Service leaflet  'In debt - dealing with your creditors' http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/pdfs/guidanceleafletspdf/indebt-web.pdf (leaflet in PDF format) is essential reading and covers all options including debt management plans, IVA, Bankruptcy and implications of each option. DEBT COLLECTION INFORMATION: see OFT advice on acceptable and non-acceptable practices http://www.oft.gov.uk/about-the-oft/legal-powers/legal/cca/debt-collection .

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTARY ARRANGEMENTS ( IVA) : See Free Debt Counselling for more details or contact the Bankruptcy-Insolvency Debt Advice Service 0800 074 6918 www.bankruptcy-insolvency.co.uk . Also see information on IVA help http://iva123.co.uk/ . Send email to adv@debtwise.co.uk for general information help sheet.

SCOTLAND: Trust Deed Advice http://www.trust-deed.co.uk/what_is_a_trust_deed.php (Voluntary Arrangement in Scotland)

Links to other advice websites :  www.cccs.co.uk  www.nationaldebtline.co.uk www.citizensadvice.org.uk www.adviceuk.org.uk http://www.debtsupporttrust.org.uk/  www.payplan.com (for more details see Free Debt Counselling).

YOU AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT: From budgeting to borrowing Moneymadeclear from the Financial Services Authority www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk has facts about getting the best from your bank account. (Download leaflet from website or call 0300 500 5000)

BANKRUPTCY : As well as free debt counselling, anyone with major debt problems should consider all options, including not only the IVA (above), but also Bankruptcy. The Insolvency Service advice on bankruptcy and IVA's is available from http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/ .

Please also have a look at Piggy's Bankruptcy Information website with lots of bankruptcy related information and advice  www.piggybankrupt.co.uk

DEBT FORUMS (for exchange on information, views etc on debt related subjects)

Consumer Action Group : www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk

Debt Forum UK : www.debtforum.org.uk (Debt Forum is a support board allowing people with debt problems to 
share their experiences with each other. Members help and offer mutual support and advice to others facing bankruptcy and similar debt
related issues).

GENERAL ADVICE : MONEY SAVING EXPERT...Martin Lewis who often appears on GMTV www.moneysavingexpert.com provides free financial guidance and has a mailing list. Compares credit card offers and rates and is helpful to those searching for a better financial deal.

Free advice service The Money Advice Service:  http://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/  Free Government sponsored service launched April 2011

CONSUMER ADVICE : Consumer Direct national helpline www.consumerdirect.gov.uk 08454 04 05 06. Also www.whatconsumer.co.uk has information about consumer related issues, including consumer credit act rights, debt management and debt collectors.

COUNSELLING : To find a counsellor to go through personal problems, which may be associated with debt or other problems, The Counselling Directory may be able to help. http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/debt.html

DEBTWISE holds a Consumer Credit Licence - 478241

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