I have been posting regularly on this forum since 2006, and am also a regular contributor to a number of other forums - some consumer led and others just for professionals - and I can safely say that the contribution this one makes to consumers is second to none in my professional opinion - however of late there have been some very pointed comments - even targeted at the regular and unbaised contributors which are annoying at best, and downright rude at worst.
As professionals working in today's environment, David and I share an even sentiment. There is a job to be done and we will carry out our duties to the best of our ability. True - we may respond in differing manners, and some of us may be more popular than others as a result of that, but David Mond is one of the most respected professionals there is in the industry and he has been instrumental in bringing about change and being vocal in his approach to this, where others have sat on their hands complaining in silence and hoping that someone else will stand up and be counted for them. I have learned a lot from David over the years I have known him, and we don't always see eye to eye, but our values are similar - we are advocates of our profession and the services we can bring to financially troubled debtors.
We did not create the "PPI debarcle" - quite honestly the sales policies of some banks have been frankly shocking, and restitution is most definately needed and deserved. How many people out there would probably not have needed a formal debt solution if they had not been sold unwanted and unecessary PPI, and surely it is right that the other creditors who have suffered as a result should receive the proceeds of any mis-selling claims. Without entering into another lengthy debate on this subject - which I seem to spend my life doing at the moment! - the reclaim process is a matter of fact, and we all need to work together to get cases closed to everyone's satisfaction as quickly as possible. IPs must ensure that when they commence a reclaim process for their clients, that the strategy and anticipated timescale is made clear from the outset, and progress regularly communicated. There are good firms and bad firms in all professions and industries - the good ones need to work alongside the poorer performers to share knowledge and assist in process. Both David and I - and a few other IPs, have spent considerable personal funds in employing lawyers to bring about the regulatory guidance which is now in place. We - both as individuals, and through our trade association The Debt Resoluton Forum, in which David acts as Chairman, and I am a board director, were instrumental in actually persuading the regulatory bodies to look at the PPI issue last year, and much progress has been made as a result of our efforts.
I'm not looking for thanks here, just respectful acknlowedgement that we are all trying our best to help our clients - and those of other firms - and this forum is playing an instrumental role in this. But if you scare off the professional posters, there may not be such a credible forum to share in the future.
Regards, Melanie Giles, Insolvency Practitioner