Hosts urged to reclaim bank charges

Every licensee should check bank statements and look to claim back penalty bank charges - that's the view of Pub Accounting Company chairman Martin Roslyn.

Nearly two million people have so far joined the revolt against fees imposed for unauthorised overdrafts.

The fees are meant to cover administration costs, estimated at about £4.50 rather than the £35 some banks charge. The law currently allows claims to be made for the previous six years.

"Licensees ought to be looking back through statements," said Roslyn. "It is easy to go a few pounds over your limit, especially as some pubcos send beer bills every three weeks, which means sometimes you get two to pay in one month.

"If there are errors, licensees should discuss this with their bank manager and claim compensation for the time taken doing accounts."

Charlie Edgeler spent 30 years as a Barclays branch manager before becoming manager of the Norway Inn in Perranarworthal, Cornwall. He said: "Unfortunately, where problems lead to charges there has often been a breakdown in communication with the bank.

"Licensees should always talk to their bank first when problems arise. I used to get licensees ringing me at Christmas, saying they would need to extend their overdraft to cover the extra beer orders. That was fine, as I knew what was going on."

The Office of Fair Trading, due to report on this issue in April, is expected to set a maximum fee somewhere between £12 and £20.

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis urged people to claim charges before the OFT ruling. Template forms can be downloaded from his website: www.moneysavingexpert.com/bankcharges.

l Are you trying to reclaim penalty charges? Call Ewan Turney on 01293 610388.