Lenders accused of taking payments by stealth

Banks have been accused of leaving mortgage holders unable to pay their mortgages, as they take money out customers’ current accounts to cover credit card and loan payments. Citizens Advice says there has been a 25 per cent rise in cases in the previous two years, and is calling on banks to scrap the practice allowing them to transfer funds without permission. The British Bankers Association said it was up to the customer to talk to their bank if they are in difficulty.