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Greenwich, a vibrant borough within Greater London with a population of 287,900 (ONS Census 2021), has seen an estimated 27,207 residents affected by 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 Greenwich
Motor finance mis-selling in Greenwich involved several local dealerships such as Sytner Greenwich, Park Lane Greenwich, HR Owen Greenwich, Lookers Greenwich, and others. These dealerships offered
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and
Hire Purchase (HP) agreements that were potentially mis-sold to customers between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
Major lenders operating in the area include
[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 lenders provided finance to local residents through various dealership groups, sometimes at inflated costs due to
discretionary commission arrangements.
## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into motor finance mis-selling across the UK. This probe uncovered that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), involving a total of £7.5 billion in losses for consumers (FCA estimate). On average, each customer lost around £829 (FCA estimate).
The FCA investigation found that some lenders paid discretionary commissions to dealerships based on the type and value of finance agreement, leading to higher prices for customers. This practice was widespread and affected numerous drivers across London, including those in Greenwich.
## How Greenwich Residents Can Check Their Finance Agreements
To determine if you were a victim of motor finance mis-selling, check your finance agreements carefully. Look for any mention of discretionary commissions or inflated costs due to dealer financing incentives. Key dates to consider are from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.
Gather all relevant documents such as the original finance agreement, bank statements showing monthly repayments, and correspondence with your lender regarding any complaints you may have filed previously. These documents will help you build a full case if you decide to seek redress.
## How to
Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free
You can complain directly to your lender for free without the need for a
claims management company. Major lenders operating in Greenwich include Black Horse (Lloyds Banking Group), MotoNovo Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Santander Consumer Finance, Barclays Partner Finance, and Alphera Financial Services (BMW).
When making a complaint, provide detailed evidence of your losses due to mis-selling practices. If you are unsatisfied with the lender’s response, escalate your case to the
Financial Ombudsman Service (
FOS) for free mediation.
## Sources and References
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
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.