Members of AP Berkeley offer comprehensive advice and representation on consumer credit issues, covering various aspects such as:

– Consumer credit agreements, including hire purchase agreements, conditional sale agreements, credit card agreements, mortgages, and other secured borrowing.
– Fair trading practices and the powers of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in consumer credit transactions and practices.
– Registration and management of credit unions under the Credit Unions Act 1979.
– Compliance with advertising practices, provision of pre-contractual information, assessment of creditworthiness, termination or withdrawal from credit agreements, and other issues under Directive 2008/48/EC.
– Authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 for entities carrying out consumer credit business by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Whether the credit provider is a bank, credit card company, moneylender, pawnbroker, or mutual aid society, our members can provide guidance to help clients understand their rights and obligations. Consumer credit is governed by strict regulations, primarily the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the Consumer Credit Act 2006, resulting in a complex and technical set of rules. Our barristers aim to navigate clients through these rules efficiently, pragmatically, and cost-effectively.

We are extensively involved in all stages of credit hire litigation, both pre and post-issue of proceedings, across various types of credit hire claims, ranging from small claims track matters to complex multi-track cases. Our services include drafting pleadings, Part 18 requests and replies, applications, and providing advice at any stage of the litigation process. Our oral advocacy encompasses minor applications to fully contested test litigation, ensuring comprehensive representation for our clients.