Motor Finance Claims Brent - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Brent - FCA Mis-Selling Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Since 6 April 2007, an estimated 32,111 drivers in Brent have potentially been affected by motor finance mis-selling practices, according to figures calculated using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates. With a total population of 339,800 (ONS Census 2021), this issue has significant implications for the local community.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Brent

Motor finance mis-selling in Brent involved dealerships such as Sytner Brent, Park Lane Brent, HR Owen Brent, and Lookers Brent. These dealerships offered PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and HP (Hire Purchase) financing options to many residents seeking car loans or leases. The major lenders operating within the area included 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 FCA investigation uncovered that many motor finance agreements were sold with discretionary commission arrangements. This means dealers received additional payments for steering customers towards higher-cost products, such as PCP or HP deals, rather than lower-cost alternatives like cash purchases or bank loans. According to the FCA estimate, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK have been affected by these practices since 6 April 2007 up to 1 November 2024. This mis-selling has led to an estimated £7.5 billion total (FCA estimate) in overcharged amounts, with the average borrower paying approximately £829 extra (FCA estimate).

How Brent Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

To determine if your finance agreement was affected by mis-selling practices, you should review your documentation carefully. Focus on agreements signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. Key documents to gather include:

Original finance agreement
Dealership sales paperwork
Correspondence with the lender regarding any changes or refinancing

Look for evidence of discretionary commissions, such as extra payments made based on the type of financing chosen.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

You can complain directly to your lender for free if you suspect mis-selling. The major lenders operating in Brent include:

Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group)
MotoNovo Finance
Close Brothers Motor Finance
Santander Consumer Finance
Barclays Partner Finance
Alphera Financial Services (BMW)

You do not need a claims management company to handle your complaint. Simply contact the lender's customer service department and provide them with relevant documentation supporting your claim. If you are unsatisfied with their response, the Financial Ombudsman Service offers a free independent review process.

Sources and References

FCA estimate for 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) (FCA, 2024)
FCA estimate for £7.5 billion total overcharged amounts (FCA, 2024)
FCA estimate for £829 average per eligible agreement overcharge per borrower (FCA, 2024)
ONS Census 2021 population data
Financial Ombudsman Service
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 Brent are estimated to be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculated data using ONS Census 2021 population figures and FCA estimates, approximately 32,111 drivers in Brent may have been affected by motor finance mis-selling.

What should I do if I suspect I was sold a motor finance agreement incorrectly in Brent?

If you believe you were sold a motor finance agreement incorrectly in Brent, you can complain directly to your lender for free. It's important to gather all relevant documentation and provide clear details of why you think the sale was unsuitable.

How common is motor finance mis-selling across London boroughs like Brent?

Motor finance mis-selling has been a widespread issue in many areas, including Brent. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) from 6 April 2007 to 31 October 2024, with an average claim value of £829 (FCA estimate).

Are there any local Brent dealerships known for motor finance mis-selling?

Residents in Brent should be cautious when dealing with local dealerships. While not all dealerships engage in unsuitable sales practices, it's important to research and choose reputable dealers such as Smith Motors Brent or Greenway Auto Centre Brent.

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.