Stand up to Financial Bullying

Welcome to this practical guide for anyone facing financial bullying from mortgage lenders — especially those stuck with high interest rates and little to no support. If you’ve been told “you signed the contract, so that’s that,” I’m here to tell you: that’s not the end of the story.

This isn’t just about one lender like Landmark — this is about any company using outdated, unfair, or exploitative practices that hurt honest people trying to keep a roof over their heads. I’ve been through it, and now I’m sharing the exact steps I took, the sample letters you can copy, and the email addresses you need.

A. Start With a Complaint to Your Lender

• Purpose: Give them a chance to resolve things — they’re required to respond within 8 weeks.
• What to include:
  • How the current interest rate is unaffordable or unjust
  • Any hardship you’re experiencing
  • Request for a review, better rate, or tailored support

TIP: Keep everything in writing. Ask for all responses in writing too.

B. Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)

• Website: https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
• Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

What to complain about:

• Excessive or unfair interest rates
• Lack of support, especially from closed-book or inactive lenders
• Refusal to offer alternative products or help
• Emotional and financial impact

Sample Line:
“My lender raised my interest rate significantly despite my clean payment history and offered no support or alternatives. I believe this is unfair and harmful.”

C. Challenge the FOS Decision (If Rejected)

If the Ombudsman doesn’t support you:

• Write to the Independent Assessor (via the same email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk)
• Highlight:
  • Any errors in the decision
  • Factual mistakes (e.g. wrong rate quoted)
  • Lack of evidence (e.g. they say rates are comparable but name no lenders)
  • How your human rights were overlooked (especially right to a home)

D. Contact Your MP

• Find yours at https://members.parliament.uk/members/Commons
• Share your story and ask for:
  • A debate on unfair mortgage practices
  • Pressure on lenders to treat legacy customers fairly
  • Political action to cap closed-book SVRs (standard variable rates)

TIP: If they don’t reply, don’t give up. Send a follow-up or contact them via social media.

E. Submit a Complaint to the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)

• Email: complaints@fca.org.uk
• What to say:
  • Your lender isn’t offering fair treatment
  • They are not helping with financial difficulty
  • They may be breaching FCA rules, including Principle 6 (Treating Customers Fairly)

F. Raise a Human Rights Concern

• Contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
• Email: correspondence@equalityhumanrights.com
• Highlight potential breaches of:
  • Protocol 1, Article 1 – Peaceful enjoyment of possessions
  • Article 8 – Right to home and family life
• Explain how unaffordable rates and forced eviction risks are harming you

G. Speak Out and Share Your Story

Use your voice! Let others know they’re not alone.

• Give your support to The Joe Blogs Show and subscribe.  We will keep you up to date on our fight.
• Write a blog post
• Make a short video
• Post on social media
• Send a letter to your local paper
• Start a petition on Change.org or 38 Degrees

Hashtags:
#MortgagePrisoners #FinancialJustice #FairMortgagesNow #StandUpToBanks

If you’re going through this,  I know how hard it is.  But you’re not powerless — you’re not alone — and this guide is here to show you that there are steps you can take.

Use it.  Share it.  And if you need help,  The Joe Blogs Show is on your side.

Jonathan Lloyd,  The Joe Blogs Show