Thousands of pounds in unclaimed money in Sutton

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 9th Oct 2008

Figures provided to local MP, Paul Burstow, by Halifax and the Bank of Scotland show that there is over £20,000 of unclaimed money sitting in 83 dormant accounts in his constituency of Sutton and Cheam.

Paul Burstow says:

"These figures show that in one bank alone there is over £20,000 of unclaimed deposits. There must tens of thousands more sitting in the other High Street banks.

"It could be worthwhile people taking a look through their bank books and papers just in case they have a share of the money sitting in these dormant accounts.

"With a new law going through Parliament which will allow money in dormant accounts to be distributed Big Lottery projects time is running out.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Residents can check whether they have unclaimed funds by going to one of these websites:

www.halifaxlocateaccounts.co.uk

www.boslocateaccounts.co.uk

www.mylostaccount.org.uk.

The Dormant Accounts Bill is to receive its second reading in the House of Commons on Monday 13th October. A copy of the Bill can be found at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldbills/002/08002.i-ii.html