Motor Finance Claims East Ayrshire - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims East Ayrshire - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

East Ayrshire - mlj.org.uk — Photo by Mark The_man on Pexels

East Ayrshire, a Scottish council area with a population of 122,700 (ONS Census 2021), has been affected by motor finance mis-selling. An estimated 11,595 drivers in East Ayrshire are potentially impacted by this issue based on calculations using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected East Ayrshire

Local dealerships such as Arnold Clark East Ayrshire, Peter Vardy East Ayrshire, Eastern Western Motor Group East Ayrshire, and Macklin Motors East Ayrshire sold Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance to residents. These dealerships entered into discretionary commission arrangements with major lenders like Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), [MotoNovo](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/motonovo-finance) Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, [Santander Consumer Finance](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/santander-consumer-finance), Barclays Partner Finance, and [Alphera](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW). Such arrangements may have led to motor finance agreements that were not in the best interest of customers.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into discretionary commission arrangements used by lenders from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This period saw 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), with a total value of £7.5 billion and an average repayment of £829 (FCA estimate). The FCA's investigation revealed that these arrangements may have incentivised dealerships to sell products that were not the best options for customers.

How East Ayrshire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

East Ayrshire residents who suspect they might be affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements carefully. Key dates to consider are from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, as these are the periods when discretionary commission arrangements were in place. Gather all relevant documents such as loan contracts, payment schedules, and correspondence with lenders or dealerships.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

You can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company. Major lenders operating in East Ayrshire include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). If you are unsatisfied with the response from your lender, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a free and independent review. Remember, seeking assistance directly through these channels is often more straightforward and cost-effective.

Sources and References

FCA estimates on motor finance agreements: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion total (FCA estimate), £829 average per eligible agreement
ONS Census 2021 population data for East Ayrshire
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation details
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) as an independent escalation route
Car Finance Compensation in Your Area

The FCA confirmed that 12.1 million motor finance agreements across the UK qualify for compensation. The FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per agreement, totalling £7.5 billion in redress. If you took out PCP or HP car finance between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, your agreement may be eligible regardless of where you live in the UK.

The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drivers in East Ayrshire may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculated estimates using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, approximately 11,595 drivers in East Ayrshire may have been impacted by motor finance mis-selling between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.

What should I do if I suspect I was given incorrect information about my motor finance agreement?

If you believe you received incorrect or misleading information regarding your motor finance agreement, you can complain directly to your lender for free. This is an effective first step in resolving any issues without involving a claims management company.

How does motor finance mis-selling affect drivers in East Ayrshire?

Motor finance mis-selling can negatively impact drivers in East Ayrshire by leading to agreements that are unsuitable or overly expensive. This may result in financial difficulties and stress for affected individuals.

Is it necessary to use a claims management company if I suspect motor finance mis-selling?

No, you do not need to hire a claims management company to address potential issues with your motor finance agreement. You can complain directly to your lender for free and seek clarification or resolution without the involvement of third parties.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.