Motor Finance Claims Falkirk - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Falkirk - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

Falkirk - mlj.org.uk — Photo by kevin grieve on Pexels

Falkirk, with a population of 160,300 (ONS Census 2021), has an estimated 15,148 residents who may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. This figure was calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data in conjunction with FCA estimates.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Falkirk

Motor finance agreements, particularly Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP), were sold by several dealerships in the area. Local dealerships such as Arnold Clark Falkirk, Peter Vardy Falkirk, Eastern Western Motor Group Falkirk, and Macklin Motors Falkirk played a significant role in this practice. Major lenders operating in Falkirk during the relevant period include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and [Alphera](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW).

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into [discretionary commission](https://mlj.org.uk/glossary/discretionary-commission-arrangement) arrangements within motor finance agreements. This probe revealed that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, resulting in a total of £7.5 billion being paid out due to these misleading practices (FCA estimate). On average, each affected customer received approximately £829 (FCA estimate).

How Falkirk Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Residents can review their finance agreements by checking the dates and terms outlined in their contracts. The critical period for motor finance mis-selling falls between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. Key documents to gather include loan agreements, any letters received from lenders about changes or reviews of your agreement, and transaction records such as bank statements that show payments made.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

You can complain directly to your lender for free if you believe you have been affected by motor finance mis-selling. Major lenders operating in Falkirk include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). These institutions are required to review your complaint and provide a response within the legal timeframe. If you are not satisfied with their decision, you do not need a claims management company. You can escalate your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service ([FOS](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/financial-ombudsman-service)), which provides a free service for resolving disputes between consumers and financial firms.

Sources and References

FCA estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion total, £829 average per eligible agreement
Population data: ONS Census 2021
Local dealerships: Arnold Clark Falkirk, Peter Vardy Falkirk, Eastern Western Motor Group Falkirk, Macklin Motors Falkirk
Major lenders: Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, Alphera Financial Services (BMW)
ONS Census 2021
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 people in Falkirk might be affected by mis-sold motor finance agreements?

Based on calculated estimates using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA figures, approximately 15,148 drivers in Falkirk could potentially be affected by mis-sold motor finance agreements (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates).

What should I do if I suspect my motor finance agreement was mis-sold in Falkirk?

If you believe your motor finance agreement may have been mis-sold, the first step is to review your contract thoroughly. You can also contact your lender directly for free to discuss any concerns or issues regarding the agreement (FCA estimate).

Are there local dealerships in Falkirk known for selling problematic motor finance agreements?

While specific dealership practices can vary, it is important to be cautious when entering into a motor finance agreement. Local dealerships such as Bell Group and Stenhouse Motors in Falkirk should provide clear and transparent information about the terms of any finance agreement they offer.

What are common signs that a motor finance agreement might have been mis-sold in Falkirk?

Signs of mis-selling can include high-pressure sales tactics, lack of transparency regarding costs or repayment terms, and agreements that do not match your financial circumstances. If you encounter these issues, it is advisable to seek independent advice from organizations like the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

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.