Cheltenham, 30 June 2026: Sentinel Legal, a leading law firm specializing in car finance claims in the UK, has welcomed the recent Court of Appeal judgment in Angel and others v Black Horse as a significant victory for consumers affected by the car finance commission scandal.
The case was originally brought forward by Barings Law, a firm that pioneered the use of omnibus claims that allow thousands of motorists to pursue their claims collectively through the courts. The Court of Appeal has upheld this approach, confirming that consumers have the option to pursue large-scale car finance claims through the legal system rather than waiting for a redress scheme that is currently facing legal challenges.
The ruling in Angel provides much-needed clarity for the British public. It offers a clear path for consumers to seek redress through the courts, rather than waiting for a redress scheme that is being challenged by lenders who are disputing the amount they should have to pay. This decision allows consumers to take action immediately instead of being delayed, diluted, or fought over behind closed doors.
According to Sentinel Legal, the ruling also exposes the practices of many claims management companies (CMCs) and passive operators who have been aggressively advertising and misleading consumers while lacking the ability or knowledge to take legal action against lenders on behalf of their clients. This has left many consumers vulnerable, as these companies are unable to protect their clients’ interests if a lender refuses to pay a fair amount.
Sam Ward, Director of Sentinel Legal, said, “Angel is a significant victory for the British public, and it was Barings Law who brought the case forward. They took a stand, did the necessary work, and paved the way for consumers to pursue their claims collectively. For too long, motorists have been told to wait for a solution. This ruling provides a real option for them to seek justice.”
The ruling also highlights the issues within the wider legal market, where some firms and claims operators have been waiting for the path of least resistance. These companies are seeking maximum returns with minimal risk, treating consumer claims as spreadsheet assets waiting for a payout mechanism to be created by regulators. However, Sentinel Legal believes that these claims involve real people who may have been unfairly charged for their car finance due to undisclosed commission and other unfair practices.
Consumers are advised to check who is handling their car finance claim and whether the company has a genuine route to court. If a company cannot take a lender to court, consumers should consider whether their claim is in the right hands.
Sentinel Legal is an SRA regulated law firm and the UK’s leading specialist in car finance claims, having won more car finance claims than any other firm in the UK. The firm represents consumers affected by hidden commission, unfair broker and lender arrangements, and other mis-selling practices related to PCP, HP, and other vehicle finance agreements. Sentinel Legal combines legal expertise with in-house technology to process high volume consumer claims with speed, accuracy, and proper legal oversight.
For media inquiries, please contact Sam Ward at sam@sentinellegal.co.uk.
Notes to editors:
1. The case of Angel and others v Black Horse concerns the pursuit of around 5,800 motor finance claims together using omnibus claim forms instead of separate individual claims. The High Court initially confirmed the use of omnibus claims in Angel v Black Horse Ltd [2025] EWHC 490 (KB) on 4 March 2025. The lenders appealed the decision, and the Court of Appeal heard the appeal on 22-23 April 2026. The Court of Appeal handed down its judgment on 30 June 2026, upholding the use of omnibus claims and allowing the claims to proceed.
2. The claims relate to undisclosed and allegedly unfair discretionary commission arrangements under section 140A of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
3. The FCA has confirmed that its motor finance redress scheme has been legally challenged. The FCA, SRA, ICO, and ASA have launched joint action targeting poor practices in the motor finance claims market, including misleading advertisements, multiple representation, and unfair exit fees.
For more information about Sentinel Legal, please visit their website at www.sentinellegal.co.uk.
