On 1 April 2019, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued its final rules regarding car finance agreements, affecting millions of consumers across the UK. This ruling was a significant turning point for Close Brothers Motor Finance and other lenders operating in regions like Berkshire. Since then, an estimated 87602 residents in Berkshire may be affected by these changes to car finance agreements (FCA estimate). The ONS Census 2021 data shows that the population of Berkshire is approximately 927,000.
Close Brothers Motor Finance Finance Agreements in Berkshire
Between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements were affected by the FCA's discretionary commission arrangement (DCA) ruling (FCA estimate). In Berkshire alone, this could mean that a significant number of individuals financed their vehicles through Close Brothers Motor Finance during this period. The types of vehicles most commonly financed include cars, vans, and motorcycles, with many residents potentially having been impacted by the changes in how lenders operate.
Berkshire's diverse economy, including sectors such as finance and business services, makes it a prime location for car financing activities. As Close Brothers Motor Finance is part of the larger Close Brothers Group, its operations in Berkshire have likely mirrored the national trends observed across the UK. With £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) estimated to be in total provisions (FCA estimate), this means that many residents in Berkshire could benefit from redress if they were affected by issues related to car finance agreements.
How to Complain to Close Brothers Motor Finance From Berkshire
Berkshire residents who believe they may have been impacted by the FCA's ruling on car finance agreements can complain directly to Close Brothers Motor Finance for free. The process is straightforward and does not require the assistance of a claims management company or solicitors. You do not need to pay any upfront fees, as it is entirely free to lodge a complaint with Close Brothers Motor Finance.
To start the complaint process, residents should visit the Close Brothers Motor Finance website at https://www.closemotorfinance.co.uk/complaints and follow the instructions provided there. This direct approach ensures that complaints are handled efficiently by the lender itself, rather than through third-party intermediaries. By taking this route, Berkshire residents can ensure they receive a fair resolution to their concerns without incurring additional costs.
What Berkshire Residents Should Do Next
To begin the complaint process effectively, Berkshire residents should gather all relevant documentation related to their car finance agreements. This includes loan contracts, payment histories, and any correspondence with Close Brothers Motor Finance or other lenders. It is also important to check the dates of these documents to ensure they fall within the specified period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024.
Once all necessary documentation has been collected, residents should review their agreements carefully to identify any discrepancies or issues that align with the FCA's ruling on car finance. They can then proceed to submit a complaint directly to Close Brothers Motor Finance using the provided online form or by contacting customer service through phone or email. This direct approach ensures transparency and efficiency in resolving disputes.
By following these steps, Berkshire residents can take control of their financial situation and seek redress for any potential issues with car finance agreements without relying on costly third-party services.
Sources and references
- ONS Census 2021
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total (FCA estimate)
- Close Brothers Motor Finance website: https://www.closemotorfinance.co.uk/complaints
How Many People in Berkshire Are Affected?
Based on Berkshire's population of approximately 910,000, an estimated 190,149 motor finance agreements in the area may have been affected by discretionary commission arrangements (FCA estimate, proportional calculation). This represents approximately 1.36% of the UK total of 12.1 million eligible agreements.
Close Brothers Motor Finance is registered at Companies House (company number 00520241) with a status of active. The company was incorporated on 1953-06-03. Its registered office is at 10 Crown Place, London, EC2A 4FT. The company currently has 9 directors.
Close Brothers Motor Finance Complaint Statistics
According to the Financial Ombudsman Service, Close Brothers Motor Finance received 10 total complaints in H2 2024 BUSINESS. You can check the latest complaint data at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Close Brothers Motor Finance's FCA reference number is 931092 (status: Appointed representative - introducer).