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Old water debt.

Hi,
We were contacted by a debt collection agency for an old water bill.
After several letters back and forth to Severn Trent and the debt collection agency (and asking the right questions) the debt was reduced from 900 pounds to 500 pounds.
This debt is actually my wifes old debt from when she was a struggling single mother and dates back 5 years when we weren't married and didnt know each other. She says the debt probably is hers but never had notification at the time.
Ive checked over the water bills we requested from ST and it does seem to tie up. If they had billed her properly back then she would have qualified for help with Severn Trent Trust Fund scheme.

As it is i'm working full time on an average salary so we dont get any benefits. My wife works 2 nights a week for a very small amount.
We dont have this money to pay in full (of course).
Can anyone see any other options to either reduce the debt, clear the debt or ensure we get small weekly payments.
It does nark me a bit paying wifeys old debts but if its gotta be done then so be it and shes worth it.
The debt people have now given us a short deadline to come up with the goods

Thanks and Regards

Lee

Comments

  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,064 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Rampant Recycler
    Lee,
    I think you might get better advice on the Debt Free Wannabe board on this forum.

    You could cut and paste your question.
  • hwalkerh
    hwalkerh Posts: 307 Forumite
    You could try and make them an offer of say £10 a month to pay the debt back and explain your circumstances. If you at least offer them something then hopefully they will be more accommodating to your needs.
  • Bunnie1982
    Bunnie1982 Posts: 1,671 Forumite
    They should be able to go through an income/expenditure with you to see how much you can afford to pay back per month and set a payment plan in place.
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