On 3 December 2021, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in Smith and Burrell v Royal Bank of Scotland plc [2021] EWCA Civ 1832 allowing the Bank’s appeal on the limitation ground, but not on ‘out of scope’. The Respondents’ PPI “top-up” claims were dismissed on the basis that they were time-barred under the […]

Gough Square Chambers is delighted to announce the arrival of two new tenants from Six Pump Court. David Travers QC and Laura Phillips will significantly strengthen Gough Square’s consumer and regulatory specialism. Gough Square’s standing as the top ranked set in consumer law is enhanced by these additions.

In an article for LexisNexis, Fred Philpott considers the recent High Court decision in Bitar v Banque Libano-Francaise SAL [2021] EWHC 2787 (QB) on jurisdiction. The Court dismissed a strike out application from the defendant Lebanese bank against a UK domiciled consumer. The judgment considers the interpretation of ‘consumer contract’ for the purposes of section 15A […]

In October’s PLC column Ruth Bala considers the mechanics of rescinding a loan, taking into account the recent decision on quantum in Wood v Commercial First Business Ltd (dissolved) & ors [2021] EWHC 1403 (Ch) The column may be read here.

The Chambers & Partners legal directory has released its rankings for 2022. Gough Square remains the only set in band 1 for Consumer Law. The Directory says “The set boasts one of the deepest benches in the area and is frequently instructed in the most significant matters of the day.”

In a recent New Law Journal article, Fred Philpott considers how the UK might react to the EU proposal for a new Consumer Credit Directive and where the future of UK consumer credit regulation lies. Read the article here: NLJ New CCD

Following conviction for the offence of contravening professional diligence, Douglas Hubble, a door-to-door fish salesman, was sentenced on 1 October 2021 by Mr Recorder Makepeace QC at Teesside Crown Court to 8 months’ immediate imprisonment and a 7 year Criminal Behaviour Order preventing him from all unsolicited doorstep selling. On nine separate occasions, the commercial practices […]

Gough Square remains the number 1 set for Consumer law, according to the Legal 500 rankings for 2022. It is also recommended in Banking and Finance (including consumer credit) and Financial Services. Testimonials include: ‘Undoubtedly the best set for consumer work.’ ‘A clear leader in the area of financial services.’ ‘Have long been one of […]

In September’s PLC column Thomas Samuels considers the recent case of Goodinson v PRA Group (UK) Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 957 concerning the evidential value of reconstituted default notices. The column may be read here.

Mrs Justice Collins Rice has handed down judgment in R (Chadwin & Ors) v Financial Services Compensation Scheme Ltd [2021] EWHC 2523 (Admin) in which Thomas Samuels successfully appeared for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The decision concerns a challenge to FSCS’s determination in relation to COBS 10.4.1R(1)(b), one of the three conditions required to […]