Hi Steve,(posted 8559 days ago)It seems that all solicitor's are able to do this under the Act. Or that is what they are telling us anyway. I got a similar letter from Walker Morris (Solicitors for the Halifax). They also quoted "Legal Professional Privilege" and they did not return my £10 either. It seem that the privilege is that of the solicitor's client i.e. the lender and so it is up to the lender to claim the exemption. Again it all seems engineered in their favour doesn't it! Why on earth do they even bother registering under the Act?
Walker Morris have informed me that they have been in touch with the Data Protection Commissioner's office and that they have confirmed that they cannot release information without the consent of their client (the lender). Walker Morris have now forarded a copy of their file to Halifax PLC and are awaiting their instructions. So that's possibly why they've kept the £10.
It would be best to confirm with DLA whether they are following the same procedure. Based on lenders' previous actions what do you rate the odds on you or I getting any important information with their consent?
Regards,