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borogirl
Lv 7
borogirl asked in Business & FinancePersonal Finance · 1 decade ago

What should I do to stop the Halifax's legal team chasing me for debt till after the London case is over?

My partner and I have had a joint bank account with the Halifax, which we have now left, due to the bank charges they were adding left, right and centre. We are in the middle of suing the bank, but our case against them is on hold, until this big test case in London is resolved. That's fair enough, everyone has to wait, we shouldn't be any different to anyone else in that respect.

However, we each have received a letter from a company called Blair, Oliver and Scott Limited, who are the Halifax's legal arm, so they sue clients for outstanding debts. I phoned today and spoke to them. I explained that we are suing the bank and are awaiting the outcome of the London case, as well as the fact that we are on benefits, so have little income. They still want us to pay them a monthly sum as they are not prepared to wait a year or more for their money. I left the call saying I would have to speak to my partner first, as all decisions are made together. They tried to pressure me into making a payment arrangement there and then on the phone with them, without discussing it with my partner. Surely, until the London case is decided, nothing can move either way, as this money is in limbo until the case is sorted out.

The money they are suing us for (£521.80) is entirely made up of bank charges put on by them. How can they be allowed to do this and what should we do next?

Update:

For betnoone, this is a straighforward banking charges case, there are no stocks and shares, mortgage charges, anything of that nature. They have added charges for things such as bounced direct debits, which in turn caused other bank charges, which meant other direct debits couldn't get paid, causing further bank charges and continuing the spiral. At one stage we were paying £60-£70 a week on bank charges, on a total income of around £190 a fortnight. The charges bear no relationship to income levels, the banks decide what they want to charge and take the money before we even see it.

Update 2:

Cool Hal, I have written to the bank and asked them if they could escalate our case and reduce the wait time in some way, as all the charges were imposed when we were on benefits, so they were taking this money out of our benefits. Our benefits (JSA) were paid in fortnightly on Mondays and they took their charges on the same day, leaving us with around £120 per fortnight, but the direct debits that had bounced, due to charges, were still due, plus we still needed to heat the home, eat and pay some none-direct debit bills. I explained all this to the Halifax, and the next response I got was this letter, suing each of us for the full amount.

4 Answers

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  • Confused Hal
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I am not a solicitor so please dont take this as gospel but:-

    I would report this to the FSA and ask them to review the situation. They also have the ability to lift the stay that they imposed on the big test case in case of financial hardship.

    It does appear very harsh and my gut reaction would be to say screw you - but I would take advice from the FSA I have used them in the past (against HBoS - who are a pile of sh1t and I hate them with a passion most people can only dream of) and they are good and helpful.

    Link is below and telephone number is 020 7066 1000.

    Good luck and dont let the bar stewards grind you down!

    Edit

    Just read your additions def get in touch with the FSA and explain everything to them they are real good and it sounds as if Halifax are out of order. Simple facts of the matter is that they see you as an easy target. They cant get what you clearly dont have.

    Good luck

    Source(s): www.fsa.gov.uk
  • Doug
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    This is what debt collection agents do, they use high pressure bully tactics to make you scared and worried to the point where you agree to whatever they ask. They rely purely on the fact that most people don't know their own rights and/or the law on these matters. Personally I find this a disgusting practice and wish bad things upon them all. Anyway what I would advise you to do is ring these people, CCCS - they are a free debt advice charity and know exactly what they're talking about. Here's the number: 0800 138 1111. Do not even talk to this Blair, Oliver and Scott company before talking to CCCS, and if they ring you then tell them you are awaiting advice from CCCS. That will shut them up.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    if the amount they are charging you if something separate from the case in which you are suing them, then i suggest u pay it.

    if you buy shares from a stock holder, and they charge you for different shares as well, you still have to pay for what youve bought, while suing for the overcharge.

    but you are right to speak to your partner first. remember the decision you make could be used in your favour or against you in the court depending on its relation to the case.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    say to them fuuck off ya pricks, lol

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