RBS unable to say when banking problem will be fixed

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND says it is unable to say when its banking service will return to normal following a technical glitch.

• Problem caused after software update corrupted RBS’s payment processing system - reports

• NatWest, part of the RBS group, to extend opening hours and open on Sundays

The RBS Group, which also includes Natwest and Ulster Bank, said it is clearing a backlog of problems caused by a three-day technical issue which it believes is now fixed.

Account balances have not been updated properly overnight, meaning that credit and debit payments are not showing up as quickly as they should, although RBS Group said the money is “in the system”.

Susan Allen, customer services director for RBS-Natwest retail, told ITV News it was difficult to say exactly when all the problems will be resolved.

She said they were due to “an error in our system which we believe we have now fixed but we are clearing the backlog”.

RBS has apologised and said it is “working round the clock” to correct the problems, including extending its opening hours.

People going into their branch today could not necessarily see the most up-to-date information on their balances, although staff were said to be “geared up” to help.

Fears have been raised that thousands of customers could be hit with penalty charges if their regular household bill payments such as mortgage payments are affected.

The banking group has promised that no one will be out of pocket and anyone who incurs such a penalty as a result of the problems should contact their branch.