Newsroom

Consumers Are One Step Closer To Getting A Fair Deal

Thursday 24 April 2008

The Consumer Council says that consumers here are a major step closer to a fair deal in the controversial High Court battle over excessive bank charges. The judge’s announcement, which means that banks must prove their charges are fair once and for all, is a victory for customers.

Alison Laird from the Consumer Council said: “Consumer power is alive and kicking.  Today’s decision sends out a clear message to banks that customers are prepared to take them all the way to the High Court and win.  We don’t shy away from the fact that you must pay a charge for slipping into the red without permission but our firm view continues to be that these charges are excessive.  Today’s judgement means they must be fair.  

“We need to keep up the momentum and want to see the next stage of this case brought before the judge urgently.  Consumers are still coughing up outrageous amounts of money as banks continue to impose these stinging charges that lock consumers in a spiral of debt.  Consumers should continue to make their voice heard and challenge these unfair charges.  Contact the Consumer Council on 0845 601 6022 for help.  

“Consumers have been crying out for banks to justify their charges and the banks have consistently refused to come clean.  It’s time for the banks to put an end to this sorry affair and do the right thing now by either proving that their charges are fair or lowering their charges and refunding customers left out of pocket by this unfair practice.

“Our 2004 super-complaint kick-started a consumer revolution. Thousands of people answered our call to challenge unfair bank charges and have nearly £170,000 back in their pockets as a result.  Consumers can be rightly proud of today’s judgement because it has far-reaching implications. Now, other service providers like energy and phone companies can no longer impose excessive charges and call them fees or services and expect to get away with it.  Consumers put the banks in court – today’s decision opens the door for them to do it again.

 “The Consumer Council will now examine the judge’s decision to assess the impact on Northern Ireland consumers.  We look forward to continuing our work with the Office of Fair Trading and Financial Services Authority to decide the next steps for consumers and how we can ensure that consumer’s interests remain paramount.”

ENDS

  1. Consumer Council media contact: Paula Gunn, telephone, 028 9067 4816 or e-mail, pgunn@consumercouncil.org.uk.  
  2. 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.
  3. For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk

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