Funding Alternative Group — County Court Claim
The court applies actual law, not just 'fair and reasonable'. Many cases that fail at the FOS succeed at court because the data protection arguments carry legal weight. A court can order marker removal and award damages.
Court claims follow civil procedure rules. We prepare the claim — you may need a solicitor for the hearing itself
What this stage means
This is where the legal argument reaches its full strength. Unlike the FOS which applies 'fair and reasonable', the County Court applies actual law — UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and common law. The court can order Funding Alternative Group to remove the marker AND award damages for the harm caused by inaccurate data processing.
When you reach this stage
You reach this stage if earlier complaint stages have not resolved the marker. Critically, many cases that fail at the FOS succeed at court because the court applies a stricter legal test. A FOS rejection does not mean your case is over — it means the legal route may be stronger.
What they will assess
- Whether the marker data is accurate under UK GDPR Article 5(1)(d)
- Whether the processing was lawful under the data protection framework
- Whether Funding Alternative Group can demonstrate the evidence supporting the marker
- Whether you suffered material or non-material damage as a result
- Whether the full complaint trail shows Funding Alternative Group had opportunity to correct the data
What strengthens your case
- The complete complaint trail — showing you followed every proper channel first
- ICO complaint — documenting data protection non-compliance
- FOS decision (even if not upheld) — shows the case was taken seriously
- Evidence of financial loss — declined applications, account closures, lost income
- Evidence of distress — the impact on your life, mental health, relationships
- The legal arguments that the FOS could not fully apply (UK GDPR is stricter than 'fair and reasonable')
What we provide at this stage
- Court claim preparation under UK GDPR
- Damages calculation for inaccurate data processing
- Evidence bundle organised for court submission
- Guidance on the court process and what to expect
What you need for this stage
- All previous complaint responses and correspondence
- Evidence of financial loss caused by the marker
- The full trail of complaints (issuer, CIFAS, FOS, ICO)
Common outcomes at this stage
Court orders Funding Alternative Group to remove the marker under DPA 2018 Section 167
Court awards damages under UK GDPR Article 82 — both material loss and distress
Funding Alternative Group settles before the hearing — very common once court papers are served
Consent order — both parties agree to removal and compensation without a full hearing
What happens next
If the court orders removal, Funding Alternative Group must comply. Damages typically cover financial losses (declined applications, higher interest rates, lost income) plus compensation for distress. Court fees are recoverable if your claim succeeds. This is the final stage — and the one where the law is most clearly on your side.