Motor Finance Claims Greater Manchester - FCA Investigation

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Motor Finance Claims Greater Manchester - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 27 February 2026

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Greater Manchester, with a population of 2,868,000 (ONS Census 2021), has seen many affected drivers due to motor finance mis-selling between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. This figure is based on calculations using ONS Census data and FCA estimates.

How Motor Finance Mis-Selling Affected Greater Manchester

Motor finance mis-selling has had a significant impact on residents of Greater Manchester, with many local dealerships engaging in practices that may have been unfair or misleading. Dealers such as Arnold Clark Greater Manchester, JCT600 Greater Manchester, Lookers Greater Manchester, and Peter Vardy Greater Manchester were among those selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements to unsuspecting customers. Major lenders operating in the area include [Black Horse](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/black-horse) (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, [Close Brothers](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/close-brothers-motor-finance) Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and [Alphera](https://mlj.org.uk/lenders/alphera-financial-services) Financial Services (BMW). These lenders provided funding for vehicles sold through local dealerships and were involved in the [discretionary commission](https://mlj.org.uk/glossary/discretionary-commission-arrangement) arrangements that led to mis-selling.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

In response to widespread concerns about motor finance practices, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into discretionary commission arrangements used by car finance providers. The findings revealed that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) had been affected by these practices over a period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 (FCA estimate). These mis-selling issues resulted in £7.5 billion in total losses for consumers (FCA, March 2026).

How Greater Manchester Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements

Greater Manchester residents who suspect they may have been victims of motor finance mis-selling should review their finance agreements carefully. Key dates to check are from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, as this period covers the timeframe identified by the FCA investigation. To verify if your agreement was affected, gather all relevant documents including finance contracts, loan agreements, and any correspondence with lenders or dealerships. Look for signs of unfair practices such as excessive fees, hidden costs, or misrepresentation of terms and conditions.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe that your motor finance agreement was mis-sold, it is important to know that you can complain directly to your lender for free. Major lenders operating in Greater Manchester 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; the process of lodging a complaint is straightforward and can be done at no cost. If your lender's response does not resolve your issue satisfactorily, you have the option to escalate your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free mediation.

Sources and References

FCA estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion total loss, £829 average per eligible agreement.
Population data: 2,868,000 residents in Greater Manchester (ONS Census 2021).
Local dealerships: Arnold Clark Greater Manchester, JCT600 Greater Manchester, Lookers Greater Manchester, Peter Vardy Greater Manchester.
Major lenders operating in Greater Manchester: Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, Alphera Financial Services (BMW).
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 residents in Greater Manchester might be affected by motor finance mis-selling?

Based on calculated figures using ONS Census 2021 population data and FCA estimates, around 271,026 drivers in Greater Manchester could potentially be affected by motor finance mis-selling.

What should I do if I suspect I've been a victim of motor finance mis-selling in Greater Manchester?

If you believe you have experienced motor finance mis-selling, the first step is to review your contract and gather any relevant documentation. You can then contact your lender directly to discuss the situation for free without needing to use a claims management company.

How common is motor finance mis-selling in Greater Manchester?

Motor finance mis-selling has been identified as an issue across the UK, including Greater Manchester. The FCA estimates that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) have been affected by this issue since April 2007.

Are there local dealerships in Greater Manchester known for motor finance mis-selling?

Motor finance issues can affect customers at various dealerships across Greater Manchester. If you suspect that a dealership like MG Motor Dealers in Manchester or Jaguar Land Rover Dealers in Salford has engaged in motor finance mis-selling, it is important to gather evidence and contact your lender directly for free to address the issue.

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.