Close Brothers Motor Finance has been implicated in the car finance scandal that affected millions of UK drivers, and Greater Manchester residents are among those potentially impacted by this issue. According to FCA estimates, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) nationwide (FCA estimate), and residents of Greater Manchester may be part of the 271,026 individuals estimated to have been affected locally (ONS/FCA estimate). With a total population of approximately 2,868,000 in Greater Manchester (ONS Census 2021), this represents a significant portion of the local population that could be eligible for redress.
Close Brothers Motor Finance Finance Agreements in Greater Manchester
Close Brothers Motor Finance’s car finance agreements were widely used across Greater Manchester from April 6, 2007, to November 1, 2024. The company's practices, including the use of discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), could have resulted in overcharging for car loans and leases during this period. These financial products covered a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to larger commercial vehicles, reflecting the diverse automotive needs of Greater Manchester residents.
The FCA has estimated that affected agreements across the UK total £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026), with an FCA-estimated average of £829 per eligible agreement. This means that those in Greater Manchester who financed their cars through Close Brothers Motor Finance during this period may have overpaid significantly for their vehicles.
How to Complain to Close Brothers Motor Finance from Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester residents can complain directly to Close Brothers Motor Finance at no cost. The company has set aside £300 million in provisions specifically for motor finance redress (FCA estimate), demonstrating its commitment to addressing the issue without the need for a claims management company. To initiate a complaint, individuals should visit the official Close Brothers Motor Finance complaints page: https://www.closemotorfinance.co.uk/complaints.
Complaining directly through this channel is straightforward and free of charge. It allows residents to provide all necessary details about their car finance agreement and receive fair compensation without incurring additional fees or costs. Residents are encouraged to gather relevant documents, such as loan agreements and payment records, before initiating a complaint online.
What Greater Manchester Residents Should Do Next
Residents who suspect they may have been affected by Close Brothers Motor Finance’s practices should take the following steps:
- Gather Documents: Collect all relevant paperwork related to their car finance agreement with Close Brothers Motor Finance.
- Check Dates: Ensure that the date of their car finance agreement falls within the specified period from April 6, 2007, to November 1, 2024.
- Complain Directly: Submit a complaint directly through Close Brothers Motor Finance’s official complaints page (https://www.closemotorfinance.co.uk/complaints) for free and without needing any third-party assistance.
By taking these steps, Greater Manchester residents can ensure they receive the redress they are entitled to under the FCA’s guidance. This process allows them to address their concerns directly with Close Brothers Motor Finance, which is part of the larger Close Brothers Group and has a dedicated team handling motor finance complaints.
Sources and References
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 2024
How Many People in Greater Manchester Are Affected?
Based on Greater Manchester's population of approximately 2,800,000, an estimated 585,074 motor finance agreements in the area may have been affected by discretionary commission arrangements (FCA estimate, proportional calculation). This represents approximately 4.18% 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).