WDH helps tenants claim £10,000 in bank charges

Five people from the Wakefield district will soon learn if their combined claims for over £10,000 in bank charges has been successful.

Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) is in the process of helping five tenants reclaim £10,984 in bank charges – and there’s more to come.

WDH stepped in to lend tenants a hand after the Financial Services Authority (FSA) made an exception to their ruling that all bank charge claims be put on hold while the High Court and Court of Appeal considers the legality of the subject.

The FSA has said that people with insufficient incomes to cover reasonable living expenses and meet imminent financial commitments may still claim, and so WDH has been dropping in at tenants’ homes to help them fill out their claim forms.

Chris Gent, WDH Debt Team Leader, says that many tenants are unaware that this exemption presents an exciting opportunity to break out of the vicious circle of debt.

“Every month many tenants are charged a fine for going overdrawn on their bank accounts,” says Chris. “This means they have less money the month after and are charged again and again and again.

“With our help they can claim back the money they have been fined or charged and get back on the road to financial recovery.

“If you can’t afford commitments such as utility bills, rent and council tax, or if you’re struggling to repay debts such as loans or credit card, then we might be able to help you.”

Chris says that WDH is currently in the process of helping 31 tenants to reclaim their bank charges and expects many more tenants will call them to make claims.

It’s expected that the five claimants will hear the outcome of their cases in the beginning of August.