Supreme court grants permission for appeal against UK car finance ruling

Two lenders can challenge October decision that undisclosed commission paid to car dealers is unlawful

The supreme court has granted permission for two car lenders to appeal against a landmark ruling on motor finance commission payments that has left firms fearing a potential £30bn compensation bill.

The decision gives Close Brothers and the MotoNovo owner FirstRand a chance to overturn a shock ruling by the court of appeal in October which said that paying “secret” commission to car dealers – without disclosing the sum and terms of that commission to borrowers – was unlawful.