Solihull MP leads campaign against unfair bank charges.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Jun 2010

Solihull MP Lorely Burt has set her sights on a new campaign designed to giver power back to consumers. Lorely has today brought to Parliament a Private Members Bill designed to end rip-off charges on consumers from banks and financial institutions. Penalties such as overdraft charges are often overly punitive and represent an unfair deal for consumers, especially when their details are hidden away in the small print of contracts.

Speaking this morning, Ms Burt said 'Most people have been hit by unexpected and punitive bank charges. Now, if you feel that you've been ripped off then you'll be able to do something about it.'

The bill will also cover other unreasonable charges levied by other service providers who hide behind the small print to levy excessive charges.

'I want everyone to be able to challenge costs when they feel ripped off by companies. This bill is all about returning the power to the people.'

Lorely has had success with two Private Members Bills in the past. One on bringing the right to request flexible working which was implemented by the previous Labour government and her 'garden grabbing' bill, which is now to be enacted by the coalition government.

Lorely said 'The bill has attracted cross party support in the house and I have every hope that we will be successful in closing this loophole in consumer law.'