Santander Consumer Finance has been operating in Leicestershire since 2007, providing car finance to residents of the county. With an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) by the controversial discretionary commission arrangement (DCA) during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, it is likely that a significant number of Leicestershire's approximately 713,000 residents have been impacted. According to FCA estimates, around 67,378 individuals in Leicestershire may be affected by this issue.
Santander Consumer Finance Finance Agreements in Leicestershire
The controversial DCA has affected a wide range of car finance agreements across the UK, including those provided by Santander Consumer Finance in Leicestershire. The agreements span various types of vehicles, from compact cars to luxury SUVs and commercial vans. Given that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) impacted (FCA estimate), it is reasonable to assume that many residents of Leicestershire have taken out car finance through this arrangement.
The population of Leicestershire stands at approximately 713,000 (ONS Census 2021). With an estimated 67,378 affected individuals in the county, it is clear that a significant portion of the local population may need to address issues related to car finance agreements. Santander Consumer Finance's involvement in these agreements means that many Leicestershire residents might be owed refunds or compensation due to the unfair practices associated with the DCA.
How to Complain to Santander Consumer Finance from Leicestershire
Residents of Leicestershire who believe they have been affected by the DCA can [complain directly](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/how-to-complain-to-your-lender) to Santander Consumer Finance. The process is straightforward and free, requiring no involvement from a [claims management company](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/complaints-about-claims-management-companies). You can submit your complaint online at https://www.santanderconsumer.co.uk/complaints. It is important for Leicestershire residents to remember that they do not need to pay any fees or engage with third-party companies, as all complaints should be handled directly with Santander Consumer Finance.
What Leicestershire Residents Should Do Next
Before submitting a complaint, it is crucial for Leicestershire residents to gather relevant documents and check the dates of their car finance agreements. This includes loan contracts, payment records, and any correspondence related to the DCA. By carefully reviewing these materials, you can ensure that your complaint is as full and accurate as possible.
Residents should also note that Santander Consumer Finance operates under strict regulatory guidelines set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Understanding how the DCA worked and its potential impact on your car finance agreement will help strengthen your case. The average compensation per affected individual is estimated at £829 (FCA estimate), making it worthwhile to proceed with a complaint.
By following these steps, Leicestershire residents can effectively address any issues related to their Santander Consumer Finance car finance agreements and potentially receive the refunds or compensation they are entitled to.
Sources and References
How Many People in Leicestershire Are Affected?
Based on Leicestershire's population of approximately 710,000, an estimated 148,358 motor finance agreements in the area may have been affected by discretionary commission arrangements (FCA estimate, proportional calculation). This represents approximately 1.06% of the UK total of 12.1 million eligible agreements.
Santander Consumer Finance is registered at Companies House (company number 02248870) with a status of active. The company was incorporated on 1988-04-27. Its registered office is at Santander House, 86 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1SR. The company currently has 7 directors.
Santander Consumer Finance Complaint Statistics
According to the Financial Ombudsman Service, Santander Consumer Finance received 3 total complaints in H2 2024 BUSINESS. You can check the latest complaint data at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Santander Consumer Finance's FCA reference number is 403579 (status: No longer registered as an Appointed Representative).