Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife, Wendy Chamberlain, has renewed her call for urgent action to ensure victims of mis-sold car finance receive the compensation they deserve without unnecessary delays.

Her intervention comes in the wake of a landmark Supreme Court ruling, which found that many car finance agreements particularly those involving discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs)—were unfairly loaded with excessive interest. This practice allowed dealers to secretly increase interest rates in return for higher commissions, often without the customer’s knowledge.

“A Victory for Consumers”

Speaking after the judgment, Chamberlain described the ruling as “a victory for consumers” and a major step towards justice for millions across the UK.

She stressed that while the decision is welcome, the process for securing compensation must be swift and efficient, warning that victims should not be made to wait years for what is rightfully theirs.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed it will launch a formal consultation in October 2025 to determine how a compensation scheme will work. Under the current timetable, payouts may not begin until 2026. Chamberlain says this is far too long and risks undermining the confidence of those already let down by lenders.

The Scale of Mis-Sold Car Finance

The scale of the potential payouts is enormous. Moody’s has estimated that lenders could face liabilities of up to £30 billion, with Lloyds Bank—the UK’s largest car finance lender—already setting aside £1.2 billion in preparation.

For individual consumers, the FCA has suggested average compensation could be less than £950 per agreement, inclusive of interest. While this may seem modest, for many families it represents significant financial relief.

A Local Story with National Significance

The fight for fair treatment is not just a national news story it is being fought in communities across the UK, including right here in North East Fife.

Take the case of Roy Turner, a 57 year old delivery driver from Tayport. Roy discovered that he had been charged £9,356 in interest on a car loan of £8,650 almost as much as the original loan itself.

He believes this was the direct result of a DCA, where his lender and dealer profited at his expense.

Roy’s case, supported by Courmacs Legal, has become a rallying point for others who suspect they too have been overcharged.

“The UK Supreme Court was clear many millions of people deserve their money back and I think they deserve it now,” Roy said. “I’m grateful that I had Courmacs Legal fighting for my rights and trying to get answers from the lenders who ripped me off.”

Why Acting Quickly Matters

One of the key risks highlighted by consumer groups is unnecessary delays in making claims.

The FCA has extended the complaint deadline to 4 December 2025, with some cases eligible for referral to the Financial Ombudsman Service for up to 15 months after that date. But campaigners warn that putting off a claim could result in slower processing or even missed opportunities.

Chamberlain also warned constituents to be cautious about using claims management companies (CMCs), many of which take up to 30% of any compensation. By contrast, working directly with a solicitor—such as Courmacs Legal—ensures more of the payout remains in the claimant’s pocket.

Standing Up for Drivers Rights

For Courmacs Legal, cases like Roy’s highlight the importance of strong legal representation in consumer rights disputes.

• Expertise – Understanding the complex legal framework around car finance agreements.
• Transparency – Clear, fair fees without the large deductions often seen with CMCs.
• Dedication – Committed to pushing cases forward quickly to avoid long waits.

How to Check if You’re Eligible With Courmacs Legal

If you purchased a car through a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or hire purchase agreement between 2007 and January 2021, you could be entitled to compensation if:

• You were charged high interest without clear justification.
• Commissions were not disclosed in your finance agreement.
• Your lender failed to act in your best interest.

Final Word

The Supreme Court ruling is a landmark moment in the fight against unfair lending. But as Wendy Chamberlain MP warns, justice delayed is justice denied.

For drivers in Fife and beyond, the message is clear: act now. Gather your finance documents, seek expert advice, and make your claim before the deadlines pass.

Courmacs Legal is already working with clients like Roy to ensure lenders are held accountable. If