RATIOMONEY - claiming justice for consumers

ALTRINCHAM based Ratio Money has reinforced its commitment to people who have been ripped off by banks and lenders by becoming the only financial claims management company to retain a top barrister.

David Berkley QC, from St Johns Buildings, the north’s biggest and fastest growing chambers, will advise Ratio Money on how to develop and improve its business, he will support panel solicitors and, when needed, represent clients in court.

“We are leading the claims management sector by ensuring that our clients and panel solicitors receive the very best support and advice to help them successfully deal with claims,” said Ratio Money’s managing director, Matthew Porteus.

“David’s significant experience will help us to claim justice for consumers. We are delighted to have secured his services through this exclusive retainer.”

While remaining an independent barrister with no financial interest in Ratio Money, Berkley’s retainer will see him supporting Ratio Money’s growing network of panel solicitors by offering training, master classes, seminars and ongoing support.

“Laws are there to protect consumers and so there is in my view a core legitimacy to the market of supporting borrowers, particularly in the present economic climate” said David Berkley QC.

“I’ve worked in this area of the law for 30 years, initially appearing for finance houses. I find it interesting and satisfying work and I am particularly looking forward to getting involved in Court of Appeal cases which should clarify some of the issues currently being raised by claimants and banks.”

Ratio Money claims justice for consumers against mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI), excessive bank charges, unfair and unenforceable credit agreements and flawed mortgage offers.

The company recently made the headlines when Coronation Street actor Mike Le Vell, who is a director of Ratio Money, attended a Leeds court and successfully helped a Yorkshire man to write off £15,000 of unenforceable credit card debt.

Ratio Money successfully highlighted that the Bank of Scotland credit card application didn’t contain the prescribed terms and conditions – and therefore didn’t comply with the Consumer Credit Act.

While Bank of Scotland argued that the terms and conditions had been given as a separate document, under the law a credit agreement is only binding if it is a single document that has been signed by both parties and contains all the prescribed terms.

Ratio Money charges just £295 for any unenforceable or unfair credit agreement case.

The fee is fully refundable if the manual audit of the client’s credit agreement, prepared by specialist solicitors, shows that the lender has complied with the law and the client keeps 100 per cent of any settlement.