Have you had ANY bank charges in the last 6 Years ?

As you may have noticed from the news and other sources there is a growing movement to reclaim punative charges from the banks.
These charges include unauthorised overdraft, declined Direct Debts and bounced cheques, not to mention the interest that these activities incur.

Which ? Magazine has recently done some research into these exorbtant charges and the banks' charges are currently under investigation by the Office of Fair Trading.

Here's a few articles concerning this movement:
Watchdogs Back Fight Against Bank Charges (from The Argus) (http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.1137464.0.watchdogs_back_fight_against _bank_charges.php)

Mirror Money - HAS YOUR BANK RIPPED YOU OFF? (http://www.mirror.co.uk/mirrormoney/mirrormoney/tm_headline=has-your-bank-ripped-you-off--&method=full&objectid=18521729&siteid=94762-name_page.html)


One of the BEST resuorces I have found for this and other money related matters is MoneySavingExpert: Consumer Revenge (http://moneysavingexpert.com), his no nonsense approach to these matters has got him a lot of media attention.
His directions on reclaiming these charges is excellent and a MUST read: Bank charges: Reclaim them, they're unlawful, so you can get six years money back (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1141050760,24632),

But and it's a big BUT, the banks are starting to fight bank and threaten customers with account closure or canceled overdrafts.

Don't bank on reversing the charges | News_ | Guardian Unlimited Money (http://money.guardian.co.uk/news_/story/0,,2000251,00.html)

Banks threaten customers who reclaim account fees - Money - Times Online (http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9558-2568956,00.html)


Well thet way I see it is that the banks have been making money from our mistakes and are not willing to help, so it's time to fight back.

MSE has a whole board devoted to members stories that have tried just that:
Reclaimed Bank Charges SUCCESS stories - MoneySavingExpert.com Forums (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=226762)

So my letter went off at the weekend, 27th Jan, just time to start with the old waiting games I suppose.

I'll keep you all posted how I get on.

Do Brit wannabees count? LOL

Actually I have challenged a few charges at American banks recently and they removed them post haste. Like when my company was charged for a customer's bounced check when it was arbitrarily put through a second time without us even seeing it and having a chance to get the customer to rectify it. And it was a hefty fee too. The poor bounced check author got nailed twice for their fee. And other assorted nickel and dime stuff I have challenged too. Seems that is the new tactic... chip away at the consumer's pocket whilst they aren't looking to boost corporate bottom lines. Cell phone bills are doing it too. And the new rebate tactic is to conveniently forget about it or send you a letter that if you don't read the fine print and respond, you don't get the rebate. Ugh.

It's worth looking into Val the banks are really just taking the pee and have been for many years its time as consumers we all fought back.

That has been a thorn in my side for a number of years. A Canadian backlash is under way: globeandmail.com: Banks 'gouging' customers on ATM fees, Layton says (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070125.wlaytonbank0125/BNStory/National/home)

I did the same thing with all the crap charges in the refinancing of a mortgage, letting my new bank know that if they cannot explain precisely what we are paying for in every one of those closing cost "this and that" fees, then we would not be signing the papers that day and any cost incurred with drafting up new papers with a new date would be on them. I think we pared down quite a few of the charges that way. Its amazing what is negotiable and how corporate America is sticking it to their customers who take it either out of ignorance or apathy. And before any of you say to yourself, wow what a penny pincher Val is LOL I do this out of a sense of conscience, not cash! LOL

I am an Ayn Rand fan politically and the first mandate any "Ayn Randian" has is to "vote" with our money!

NK, England had that backlash a few years ago now, especially as all the cash machines, ATM's, are linked.
There's only a few privately operated ones that still charge but these are run by businesses and not the banks.

So are there any other Brits that will join the bandwagon ?

Update from me and my claim.
Feb 7th received the stock we are sorry to hear about your complaint letter.
They said they'll respond with in 2 weeks.
We'll just have to see what happens.

So any more Brits going to fight the good fight and reclaim what is rightfully ours ?

Agree with needkarma, the canadian banks are bad for this too. We are late in fighting it but it is starting to happen.

Ben, as far you receiving a letter saying sorry to hear about your complaint letter and will respond in 2 weeks, I would not count on that. If it was me though I would keep them on their toes and keep at them.

Joe

I am not a Brit, Wish I were I would be right in there fighting a good fight.

*Update*
Saturday I received a letter from the Customer Relations dept concerning this issue.
They still haven't supplied my six years worth of statements, but promised they will arrive in the next three weeks.

My guess is they are holding off as long as possible so the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) can publish their report into bank charges.
This is due sometime in April, so I'm cutting things fine here.

Oh well, I'm going to get my charges back one way or another ;)
It's about time the "Little people" stood up to BIG business, especially when the UK banks have posted MASSIVE profits for last year, in the region of £40 BILLION!!

Come on guys.
So far there has been OVER £10 MILLION reclaimed from the banks.
Consumer Action Group (http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/) are one of the main sites.
They give you all the information that you need to make a successful claim.

Just an update.
I'm still waiting for statements from my bank, so a nasty letter tomorrow I think.

Also I was digging through my records and found an old credit card, now paid off, that charged me penalties. Time to go after them as well then ;)

Come on any more Brits going to join the fight.
If you need any help, feel free to ask.

OK Nasty letter sent.
This is starting to be fun.

Now my bank has 7 days to respond or it's off to court we go.
All for the sake of some paperwork.

The really annoying thing is the fact that the office that is dealing with my request is only 30 minutes drive away.
I could have personnally collected them by now!

I got a response to my nasty letter and they promise my info in 5 days.
Just have to wait and see.

It now appears that the normal 6 years SOL doesn't apply to these charges as the Banks have been hiding the fact the charges are unlawful.
So over 6 years is claimable.
Now which other Banks shall I go for ;)

Might even have a look at the Wife's as well.

One snotty letter and a couple of e-mails later I just received this:

I have checked your previous reference and it would appear that one of my colleagues has sent the statements to you yesterday. You should receive these within 3-4 working days.

However, I have passed your details onto a colleague of mine so that they can contact "The Office" tomorrow morning to double check. I have also requested that they contact you directly using the mobile number you supplied in your e-mail.

If there's anything else we can help you with in the meantime, please let us know.

So they should be here shortly.
About time too!
Way over the 40 day legal limit, but I don't have the time to take them to court over non-compliance.
Bigger fish to fry ;)

Finally getting somewhere. That took forever, lets see if you actually do get them. I am holding my breath, nah too long of a wait. Lol

One of the members of the site I belong to has just taken his bank for £36K, yes £36,000 in unlawful charges over 6 years.

That's
$72,000 USD
Or
$81804 CAD
Or
$86436 AUD
Or
€53247 EUR

He's now starting on the pre 6 year ones as well.

As we have all realised, even in this case, the banks will not admit how much it really costs them.
So if it was cheaper to pay out on a claim of this size it really makes you wonder.
Businessman takes NatWest for £35k | The Register (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/04/17/bank_payout/)

It has been noted in various publications that the UK banks make OVER £1.2 BILLION in penalty charges A YEAR!!

The site I'm on has, so far, reclaimed almost £10 MILLION from 7000 claims.
Not bad for a years worth of work.

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of claiming money back from my 2 banks, Natwest (£1500) and RBS (£3000) for my 6 years of charges. They sent me my statements no problem, sent off my first letter asking for the cash back, got a letter off RBS saying they were looking into it. Nothing back off Natwest for almost a month, so sent them the "I'm taking you to court in 2 weeks" letter yesterday! Eep!

Good luck to everyone else trying it!

J

I've never had a charge, boohoo :(

It looks fun.

Just to update everyone.
This action doesn't just apply to Banks penalty cahrges, but to credit cards as well.
Last year the OFT published a report saying that they won't investigate charges under £12, but this doesn't mean that these charges are lawful either.

So as the saying goes, In For A Penny, In For A Pound.
For the sake of a few pounds, some letters and a lot of waiting, it's time to claim back what is rightfully ours.

If anyone needs any further help or assistance feel free to PM me, in complete confidence of course.

I've never had a charge, boohoo :(

It looks fun.

LMAO that's because you are the worlds first tight student ;)

Hi all, just jumped on the bandwagon and sent of my DPA letter requesting statements. My daughter got 1400GBP back last week. Spent that on buying her second house (legal fees etc, not the whole house!).
Couple of other websites Ripped Off Shore - Welcome (http://www.rippedoffshore.co.uk) and Penalty Charges UK - Fighting your Corner for FREE (http://www.penaltycharges.co.uk) same as MoneySavingExpert: Consumer Revenge - Credit Cards, Shopping, Bank Charges, Cheap Flights and more (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/) but certainly time to kick a$$

Good on you colbtech, welcome to the club.

How long did it take for your daughter's case to be settled ?

I think she told me 8 weeks from the initial letter. It was vs HSBC

WoW that's excellent.
I assume by that she wasn't forced to take legal action.

Well at least one bank can do things correctly.

I'm still waiting on a complete set of statements, but saying that I am being very cheeky and pushing the Data Protection Act fully.

I have requested ALL the data that they hold on me, so that's 10 years worth.
Should make for an interesting calim when they finally arrive, especially with interest ;)

Quick update, DPA requesting statements to NatWest went in last week 25/4. I've had a letter back from the bank stating they are examining my account (worrying?) and will respond within 28 days... not much news but the interesting thing is... the letter is from the "Charges Referal Team". So at least they have a department set up to examine these cases.

Col, I wouldn't worry as this is a standard letter.
Interesting that they now have a specific dept dealing with these, but I bet you don't get a decent response to your request.

Well I now have all of my statements dating back to March 1997.
Time to get the highlighte pen out me thinks.
Thank god it's a long weekend, there's a ton of paper to get through.

Well I still haven't heard a thing from Natwest, they've got one week today until I take them to court! Woohoo!

And still nothing back from RBS after the usual "we're looking into it" letter! That'll be a month on Sunday, so they may be getting a phonecall / letter pretty soon too!

It only took me an afternoon to work out all my charges, why is it taking them so long?
Granted, they've got to sort out one or two more people than I did! Lol!

So, spent the weekend getting all my paperwork in order.
I've received statements going back to 1997 and THREE copies of charges applied to my account for the last 6 years.

A couple of hours with highlighter pen, caclulator and coke and I'm done.
Prelim goes off tomorrow for £2,600 including interest, £750 is pre 6 year "limit".

Not as bad as I was thinking, but still too much.

I noticed that back in 1997 I was charged £6 per month for exceeding my overdraft, in 10 years that has risen to £90 for the same "service"!!

Now if it'd stayed at £6 then none of this activity would have started.

A couple of hours with highlighter pen, caclulator and coke...

I know it's boring work... but resorting to drugs is not the best way to stay awake mate! Lol!

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/JtotheBtotheS/statements-1.jpg

6 years of statements from 2 accounts! What a waste of paper eh! :p

Hi everyone, don't really know much about claiming back bank charges but I do know I want to take this action. I have an account with lloyds tsb and they take the mick. I get charged anything up £90 a month just for going a fart and cough overdrawn and Ive got money problems as it is! I want to get my money back but what kind of legal stuff do iI need to know before I take action? I reckon I can get about £500 out of them at least. I want my money back : (

Chameleonchick, welcome to AMHD Reclaimers.
If you need any help give me a shout, especially as LloydsTSB are the people I'm going for ;)

Thanks curlyben. I couldn't keep track of everyone's stories but I gathered you haven't got your money back yet?? How long have you been waiting?

I went on moneysavingexpert.com and downloaded template letters and had a read of what he had to say... think I get the idea now... sort of...
-get statements and work out how much to claim
-send letter asking for it with time limit
-send another letter threatening legal action
-if legal action required then do it through moneyclaim website

Sounds simple enough so why am I still wary? I read that some banks close your account if they pay out-luckily I have another account but Id prefer them not to do that in the first place. Do you think I should transfer my wages and direct debit etc to the second account before I do anything? How much does ltsb charge for requesting statements? Im very bitter at the moment because I had a perfect credit rating until all this rubbish started happening in the past year or so... Iv had the account since I as 11 and I'm 20 now. Do u think they'll care about my loyalty? Lol goo dluck with oyur claim by the way! : )

CC, MSE is OK, but there are better sites out there that give a lot more help.

In a nutshell it really is that easy, but there's a lot of waiting and then having to deal with legalise letters and solicitors and stuff.

First off you send a Data Protection Act Subject Access Request (SAR) to LTSB. There is a maximum that they can change of £10. This covers ALL the info.
This is meant to be complied with in 40 days.
In my case it took nearly 3 MONTHS!
In the end I did get 10 years worth of statements.
Now a SAR is meant to supply ALL the information the Banks hold on you, not just the last 6 years. This is the first place MSE falls over.

Once you have all the statements then it's PreLim time.
This is the first approach for repayment, time limit 14 days.
Once they refuse this then it's Last Before Action (LBA). Again you are asking for ALL the charges to be repaid, time limit 14 days.

Once they have refused both these letters then the fun really starts with court action.
Yes the easiest way to file is MCOL, but it isn't a case of file and you'll get your money.

The banks will try at every turn to have your case throwen out or to buy you off.
Again this is another area MSE lets you down, not enough support and help with dealing with the banks solicitors..

Now if you hold your nerve, and with LTSB you'll need it, the whole process can take up to 10 MONTHS. Yes you read that right.
You would be very lucky indeed to have the whole amount refunded within a few months.
This is NOT a get rich quick scheme and it is far from plain sailing.

Now don't let this put you off, just remember that they have taken your and you want it back ;)

On the whole the banks aren't closing accounts on the back of reclaiming, obviously if you are operating it badly then they may.
You say you already have another account, keep it on the back burner and only move if you absolutely have to.
No need to go through all the hassle if you don't.

I must admit I always thought that the banks where there to help and had our best interests at heart, well not any more.
Generally they are like any other big business, money grabbing!
I've been with LTSB for 15 years yet, when I needed some help with O/D charges that I ended up having after my expenses where late, I was basically lied to.
So I decided to reclaim EVERYTHING that they have taken over the years.

The fun has only just begun.

Feel free to PM me and I'll point you in the right direction.

OMG 10 months, seedy ltsb lawyers, lack of knowledge... I don't think I can do this but I really want my money back! :( can't I just get one of those no win no fee law firms to deal with this of me?

If you want to give away 25%+ of YOUR money and let some complete stranger go through your fincial records then go for it, but the whole process is quite straight forward.
Just takes time and a certain amount of balls.

I don't want someone else taking a quarter of my money- u just scared me a little with the lawyer stuff that's all but Im a big girl and I'm going to try and do this myself. Thanks for the support anyway- I'm sure I''llbug you with more questions as I get closer to making a move (waiting to get paid- another week and half to go!) :)

Right then, RBS have until the end of this week before I send off my second letter!

But Natwest, oh poor Natwest, they have until the end of this week until I take them to court! Pay up Natwest, you know it makes sense! Lol!

Good luck chameleonchick, do it on your own, it's much more fun!

Oh I feel a letter from Corbetts, NastyWest's inhouse solicitors, winging it's way to you very soon.

I'm looking forward to standing up in court and telling the judge what I think, I can't wait, I think it's brilliant that we're taking on the big boys!

Well, 2 bits of news. 1st off the Nat West has responded with my statements back to April 2001 and a letter stating that when I have identified the charges to return the statements. Interesting it only took 2 weeks to get them.

We'll see what happens when the statements go back.

The 2nd bit of news I heard on the radio at 4:30 this afternoon, that Lloyds /TSB have won a court case for charges! I will try and find a news link and post

Right here: BBC NEWS | Business | Bank's overdraft charges upheld (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6657025.stm)
And here's a summary of the judgement: http://img.thisismoney.co.uk/docs/Summary.pdf

Basically what happened is the Judge didn't understand that the charges are a breach of contract and made his judgement based on that.

Not to worry as there are some SERIOUS minds on this case now, it WILL be appealed.
The appeal goes straight to the HIGH COURT and as such FULL disclosure is assured.

DON'T panic WE will win through.
Basically this was a standard LTSB defence that has been distroyed many times in the past. Also the lower courts cannot set a precedent.

After a load of digging and a follow up on BBC (BBC NEWS | Business | Was the bank victory an accident? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6658369.stm)) it's seems tha the judge was concerntrating on the breach of contract angel.
Unfourtunatly when asked, by the judge, if exceeding your agreed overdraft was considered a breach the person answered NO when he should have said YES.
I suppose that pride over took him and he didn't want to admit to any wrong doing.
Really this case should never of gone before the judge in the first place as SC&M (LTSB's lawyers aka SCaM) didn't even turn up!

The upshot of this is it could become the test case we have all been waiting for, which of course the banks have been trying to avoid at all costs.
Forget Tom Brennen, this is where the action is.
Small Town Joe (or Kev in this case) Takes On The Banks In High Court!

Well I've got some great news, Natwest have just written back to me and awarded me everything I asked for (£1400) without so much as a fight, just had to wait for a while!

I'm chuffed to bits!

And apparently RBS have sent me a letter this week too! Nice!

Keep up the good fight people!

Nice one Hunter.
I happy for you.
Well my "request" is happily winging its way to LTSB, I wonder what their response will be.
Should be interesting as I'm going for 10 years with contractual interest on top.
Hey if you're going to claim then make it a doosy ;)

Update: LBA letter has gone in claiming some £1200 including interest from NatWest. Fingers crossed, that's next years holiday to US and Australia.

Legend!

Natwest paid my money into my bank on Tuesday! Spend, spend, spend!

I'm just waiting on my RBS settlement letter now! Woop!

Well I have a few more days before I can LBA LTSB, still waiting on my BogOff letter from them.
Should be interestig, but knowing me they won't of read my claim at all and I'll just get a template job.

Woohoo! RBS have just settled with me, and for the full amount! Happy Days!

The Milky Bars are on me! Lol!

*Takes Hunter Out The Back For A Good Shoeing*

:(:(:(
I'm still fighting with mine and you guys are getting settled already.

Sorry Curly!

I've had to wait quite some time though, I requested my statements at the start of March, and my first request letter went out at the end of March, so that's 3 months from start to finish!

Still worth it though!

Dude,
I requested my statements start of FEB!!
OK so my claim is a lot more involved with 10 years and CCI, but even so :(:(

Now this is starting to get a little silly:
BBC NEWS | Business | More bank cases face strike out (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6749589.stm)

What is this person thinking.
We so need a test case so the whole thing can be completely settled once and for all.
I must admit to being slightly concerned as I'm taking on LTSB, but I have already told them that I don't agree with their assessment that their cahrges are for a service and not penaltys.

I've looked back on some old T&C's and they state that these charges are to cover the extra work involved, so your teling me it costs £30 to increase my overdraft??

If that's the case I'm in the wrong line of work, as that would be a few thousand pounds a hour pay, almost up there with lawyers ;)

This morning my son has received 970.00 GBP from the Natwest no fuss or hassle. Followed the usual sequence DPA, LBA and got his money. Good for him! The least he can do is buy me a beer!

My own LBA has been acknowledged by the bank so we'll see what happens in the next week or so!

Woohooo! Congratulations! *cheers*

Did Natwest respond at all during that claim?

Yes, with the usual "Thank you for your letter of the ....blah blah, Regards Charges Referral Team" with some obscure squiggle at the bottom. Very efficient of the bank, if they were to be charging me the standard letter, it has cost them £60 on top of what I'm claiming... nice

See, they didn't respond to me AT ALL until they said 'Hey, do you want everything you've asked for?'

Must be a glitch in the Matrix!

:(:(

Don't lose faith CB, you'll get your money, just be patient!

LOL, I know.
Hey well it's only one claim I have going, saying that all the others are taking their sweet time too.

So looks like I maybe very busy at my local court in the very near future.

"I find your lack of faith disturbing young skywalker!"
The banks are losing this particular battle, can only hope they lose the war!

Had reply from bank, they are prepared to pay the excess charges but no interest. Good enough for me! Another battle the banks have lost.

Excellent news colbtech! Spot on!

You guys are getting all the easy ones.
Hey ho to LTSB and court I go ;)

Has anybody hit the credit card companies about charges yet? Does the same rule apply to them?

Funny you should ask as I'm just about to MCOL Cap1 and B'card.
Yes the process is the same, but slightly easier thanks to the OFT's report from April 2006 about charges.
You'll be offered the difference between the old charge and the new one, but don't buckle and you get it all back.
Now the nice thing about cards is the fact that you signed a detailed contract, so claiming the charges PLUS interest is a lot easier.

Just get your usual templates and adjust as needed.
Also don't forget NOT to limit your claim to just 6 years, go for the whole time you have held the card.

The charges are normally Over Limit and Late Payment, annual fees and cash advance fees cannot be claimed.

If you have some spare time here's the OFT's report: The Office of Fair Trading: Calculating fair default charges in credit card contracts (April 2006) (http://www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_resources/publications/guidance/unfair-terms-consumer/oft842)

God, I'm really slacking on this, got a load of other stuff on the go.

Anyway received this morning a nice letter from LTSB saying the usual stuff and we'll give you £750 to go away.
Hmm seems nice of them, but that's a third of what they owe me.

Oh well time for another letter and see if I can get them to up their offer.
Compromise letter slways looks good in front of the courts ;)

A third? That's insane! You tell 'em CB!

The £750 offer from LTSB seems to be pretty much the norm from these people as an opener.
Bsically I'm being really lazy with this one, as I'm not inclined to push too much as I do actually like banking with them, that nad the fact my whole claim is for 10 years WITH compound contractual interest on top ;)
That and I can't be bothered to try and find another account and then go through all the hassel of setting everything up again.

Well just checked my account online and what do I find

17Jul07 DEP GOODWILL REFUND 750.00

Gee that was nice of them, oh well time for a thamks for the part payment, but see you in court letter ;)

Ha ha, the cheeky barstewards! I've heard a couple of people say that some banks have done this! It's unbelievable!

WoW big developments afoot: BBC NEWS | Business | Banks agree to charges test case (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6918140.stm)

Well a slight update.
Due to the OFT test case my Bank claims are on hold, but that hasn't stopped me going for credit card charges.
Received in the post a nice cheque from capital 1 for charges from 5 years ago, just over £850 ;)
Admittedly I did have to file at court, but they came back with the dosh after 3 weeks.

It's all good.:D

Can anyone help me in how to go through the prosses of claiming back my back charges I've been told I need to get the last 6 years of bank statements?

Lez, gald to see you have arrived with the winning side rather than progressing with a claim company.

As I mentioned earlier the whole process is really straight forward.
The best letters I have found and personally used are available here: Bank Templates Library - The Consumer Forums (http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/bank-templates-library/)

You need to be a member, but don't worry as it's free.
Start with letter #1.
This is the request for transaction information from your bank.
Don't limit yourself to 6 years, ask for everything as under the Data Protection Act they must comply with ALL the information that they hold.

Great thread! Can't it be made a sticky?

Like that ;)

"Like that"

Sorry, was it one already and I missed it?
Or have you just made it one?
I have a few friends checking it out that's why I said.

Just stickyed it ;)
If your friends need any help, feel free to shout.

I will thank you.

Curlyben,

I'm hearing stories about banks putting claims on hold because of cases that are already going on. Saying they are waiting for the out come of a 'test case'. Got any information on this?

Bluerose, yes there is a test case going on involving the OFT and 8 Banks, so the is a stay of action while this is decided.
This doesn't stop you starting the process, it just means that court action will be put on hold.
This test case does NOT affect credit card claims though.

Okay. Thanks. I'll pass that information on.

Just a quicky here.
The OFT's test case is well and truly underway.

It's just a case of sitting back and waiting for the judgement.
OFT Test case - Google News (http://news.google.co.uk/news?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&hl=en&tab=wn&ned=uk&q=OFT+Test+case&btnG=Search+News)

Then the real fun begins as this case is simply the opener to see if the OFT can enforce the UTCCR against the banks for their "services".
What ever the outcome of this first case I believe that it WILL be appealed and possibly end up in The House of Lords, the HIGHEST court in the land.

Even more quicky... the OFT test case (high court case) result is out tomorrow, so good luck Ben;)

Well it been a hectic 12 months in the world of Bank claims, but they have finally had their last domestic appeal to the UK's highest court, The House of Lords.
Judgement most likely delivered after the summer recess, so some time in October..

This is merely the first part of a potentially two part case, but if the banks have any sense, especially with the current financial crisis and the huge amount of bail outs, they will throw in the towel and refund people wrongly charged..

Either that or they will waste even more tax payers time and money with yet another round of test cases centred around the actual unfairness aspect..

As a rough guesstemate the total value of refunds due, within the "normal" 6 year limitations window, is approx £20 Billion.

Yes seems like a lot of money and a few years ago was an unheard amount, but today it's a different matter.
in context the Global financial crises has cost upwards of £10 TRILLION ($15 TRILLION) so far.
This includes all of the bail outs, failures and grantees offered.