Motor Finance Claims South Lanarkshire - FCA Investigation

Home › Areas › Motor Finance Claims South Lanarkshire - FCA Investigation

Motor Finance Claims South Lanarkshire - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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

South Lanarkshire, with a population of 320,500 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 30,287 drivers potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This figure was calculated using ONS Census data and FCA estimates, indicating a significant number of local residents who may have been impacted by problematic practices in the motor finance industry.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected South Lanarkshire

Local dealerships such as Arnold Clark South Lanarkshire, Peter Vardy South Lanarkshire, Eastern Western Motor Group South Lanarkshire, and Macklin Motors South Lanarkshire were among those selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements to residents. Major lenders operating in the area included [Black Horse](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/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). These dealerships and lenders were part of a wider industry that engaged in practices that may have misled consumers about the true cost and risks associated with motor finance agreements.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

In response to concerns raised by consumer groups and regulatory bodies, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into discretionary commission arrangements used by lenders. This investigation revealed that these commissions were often tied to sales performance targets, leading dealerships to push higher-cost financing options on unsuspecting customers. The FCA estimates that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) during this period (FCA estimate), with a total value of £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). The average mis-sold agreement was found to be worth approximately £829 (FCA estimate).

How South Lanarkshire Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

South Lanarkshire residents who suspect they were affected by motor finance mis-selling can take steps to review their agreements and identify any potential issues. Key areas to examine include: 1. Dates of Agreement: Any agreement signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 should be scrutinised. 2. Documentation: Gather all relevant documents, including finance contracts, payment records, and any correspondence with your lender or dealership. By carefully reviewing these documents, you can determine if there are discrepancies that may indicate mis-selling practices.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe you have been affected by motor finance mis-selling in South Lanarkshire, it is important to know that you can complain directly to your lender for free. 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 Financial Services (BMW). You do not need a claims management company to assist with this process. Start by contacting your lender directly through their customer service channels or via email. Provide them with detailed documentation of your concerns and request a review. If you are unsatisfied with the initial response from your lender, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free mediation. The FOS is an independent body that provides fair resolutions in financial disputes between consumers and financial service providers.

Sources and References

ONS Census 2021
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
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 South Lanarkshire have been potentially affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on population data from the ONS Census 2021 and FCA estimates, approximately 30,287 drivers in South Lanarkshire may have been impacted by motor finance mis-selling.

What should I do if I suspect my vehicle finance agreement in South Lanarkshire was mis-sold?

If you believe your motor finance agreement was mis-sold, it is advisable to review the terms of your contract and seek professional legal advice. You can also complain directly to your lender for free.

What is the average amount that drivers in South Lanarkshire have overpaid due to mis-sold motor finance agreements?

Drivers in South Lanarkshire who were affected by mis-sold motor finance agreements may have overpaid on average £829 (FCA estimate).

Is it necessary to use a claims management company if I suspect my vehicle financing was mishandled in South Lanarkshire?

You do not need a claims management company. It is important to understand your rights and options, which can include contacting the lender directly for free.

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.