Have You Got Your Money Back Yet?
Wednesday 28 October 2009
The Consumer Council is reminding consumers to check whether any of the £12 million in forgotten bank or building societies accounts in Northern Ireland belongs to them. The comments come as the consultation closes on how the unclaimed money in forgotten accounts should be spent.
Alison Donnelly from the Consumer Council said, “The Government has plans to take the unclaimed money from the banks and give it to good causes but there is no need to panic. The money can always be claimed by its owners whatever the Government’s plans are. However the Consumer Council believes everything must be done to reunite consumers with their money now; after all it represents their hard-earned savings.
“The Consumer Council has been working with community and voluntary groups, the local media, elected representatives and banks and building societies to make sure everyone knows how to check if they have a forgotten account. We commend the efforts they have made so far.
“In our response to the Government’s consultation we have made the point that any money remaining unclaimed should be used to help consumers gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their money well. Consumer Council research shows that consumers here are bottom of the UK league when it comes to being financially savvy and this may be the reason why there is so much money lying in forgotten accounts in the first place.
“Our first priority remains reuniting people with their forgotten accounts. We will continue to work with the banks and building societies to make sure their customers get their money back but consumers can play their part too. To check for a forgotten account, fill in the online search form at www.mylostaccount.org.uk or contact the bank or building society directly. Consumers can get more information from our website, www.consumercouncil.org.uk or by phoning 0800 121 6022.
- Consumer Council media contact: Paula Gunn, telephone, 028 9067 4816 or e-mail, pgunn@consumercouncil.org.uk
- The Consumer Council is an independent consumer organisation, working to bring about change to benefit Northern Ireland’s consumers. The Council campaigns for high standards of service and protection and a fair deal for all. It also carries out research, gives advice and publishes reports and other publications. It deals with individual complaints about buses, trains, planes, ferries, natural gas, electricity, coal and water.
- For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk
