Ulster Bank customers double charged

Customers affected by the Ulster Bank computer crash have seen direct debits and other bills charged twice since the 18-day crisis began.

Officials from the under -fire firm last night confirmed the issue — first raised by the Irish Examiner on Tuesday — but said the problems are being resolved.

The double-charging, which is affecting a still undisclosed number of accounts, relates to transactions such as direct debits and mortgage payments.

However, some salaries were also added to customers’ accounts twice — a welcome relief for those hit by the ongoing scandal, but which was quickly addressed once the double payment became apparent.

Similar problems were identified at the connected Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest banks in Britain on Tuesday, but at the time Ulster Bank failed to clarify that Irish customers were also affected.

Financial Services Ombudsman Bill Prasifka told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that customers will be able to claim “stress” compensation. He said anyone wishing to file a claim could do so for free via his office, but added that to date a large number of queries about Ulster Bank has only led to a small number of formal complaints.

“Compensation, roughly speaking, would be two elements; one is the out of pocket loss — someone whose salary was not deposited, their account is in arrears, there may be interest or other charges, that obviously has to be rectified.

“We also have a very established practice of giving compensation for... stress or inconvenience arising out of maladministration,” he said.

“The important thing for people to know is that our statutory scheme is one based on compensation. We don’t run a penalty scheme ...we’re not a regulator.”

Ulster Bank chief executive Jim Brown said the firm is considering offering compensation to customers.

There are 36 branches open today and 10 tomorrow. Information from www.ulsterbank.ie or help- line 1800-205-100.