Motor Finance Claims Lambeth - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Lambeth - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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

Lambeth, a vibrant borough within Greater London with a population of 318,000 (ONS Census 2021), has been affected by motor finance mis-selling. An estimated 30,051 drivers in Lambeth may have entered into potentially unfair Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreements between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 (calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates).

How Motor Finance Mis-selling Affected Lambeth

Local dealerships in Lambeth, such as Sytner Lambeth, Park Lane Lambeth, HR Owen Lambeth, and Lookers Lambeth, were among those involved in selling PCP/HP finance agreements to residents. These agreements may have been influenced by discretionary commission arrangements between lenders and dealerships. Major lenders operating in the area 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). Dealerships had incentives to push certain finance products that were not always in the best interest of consumers.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been investigating a widespread practice within the motor finance industry where discretionary commission arrangements between lenders and dealerships led to unfair sales practices. It is estimated that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK may have been affected by these practices, resulting in an FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per customer, totalling £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). The investigation covers a period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.

How Lambeth Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Lambeth residents who suspect they may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements carefully. Key dates to consider are between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. Important documents to gather include the original agreement, payment schedules, and any communications with the lender or dealership. Residents should look for signs of unfair practices such as high interest rates, undisclosed fees, or excessive commission payments that were not disclosed at the time of sale. If these issues are identified, it is advisable to document all evidence thoroughly before taking further action.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe your finance agreement was mis-sold, you can complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company. Major lenders operating in Lambeth include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW). You do not need a claims management company; these services are often unnecessary and can be costly. Your lender is required to investigate your complaint thoroughly. If you are unsatisfied with their response or if they fail to address your concerns appropriately, the next step would be to escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which provides a free and impartial service for resolving disputes between consumers and financial services providers.

Sources and References

"12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026)" and "£7.5 billion total": FCA estimate
"£829 average per eligible agreement loss": FCA estimate
Population of Lambeth: ONS Census 2021
Estimated affected drivers in Lambeth: Calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates
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 Lambeth might have been affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on population data from the ONS Census 2021 and FCA estimates, it is estimated that around 30,051 drivers in Lambeth could be affected by motor finance mis-selling.

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

If you believe your motor finance agreement may have been mis-sold, the first step is to contact your lender directly for free. They can review your case and provide information on any potential issues with your agreement.

How does motor finance mis-selling impact residents of Lambeth?

Motor finance mis-selling can affect residents of Lambeth by leading to agreements that are unsuitable or unaffordable. This could result in financial difficulties and negative impacts on credit scores for those living in the area.

What is the average cost associated with motor finance mis-selling cases in Lambeth?

The typical cost related to resolving issues from motor finance mis-selling agreements in Lambeth, based on FCA estimates, averages around £829 per case (FCA estimate).

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.