Fedback sought after Ulster Bank crisis

In June, the bank was hit by an IT meltdown which left many customers unable to access their accounts. The Consumer Council is concerned that many who are entitled to complain or claim redress from Ulster Bank have not done so.

CEO of the Consumer Council, Antoinette McKeown said: “The Ulster Bank crisis this summer left consumers uncertain that direct debits were being paid, being unable to check their balance, receive their salary or benefits or access cash in the normal way. There have been lasting impacts for some consumers who had to borrow money from other sources to tide them over.

“Ulster Bank launched a redress procedure many weeks after the initial payments error was resolved. The Consumer Council believes that not all of those who were affected by the crisis have approached the bank to ask for a refund for their out of pocket expenses or redress for the distress caused to them.”

The Consumer Council is launching a consumer survey that can be filled out online or via a requested hard copy.

The survey can be accessed at www.consumercouncil.org.uk/money-affairs but anyone wanting a paper version can call 0800 121 6022 to get a copy through the post to return via freepost.