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CCCS_Matthew

roy_harper wrote: »

Dear Experts,
I'm on income support with long term disability - with no savings.
I've run up electricity and gas combined debt of £500 since January this year.
I phoned them and they were very patient - and explained I could repay it if they came and installed a gas and electricity meter which they would set so that it recovered £10 a week to repay the debt, and I have to give a lump sum just now, though they didn't say how much.
The alternative of paying 1/4 of the debt and £125 per month is too expensive.

The only other thing I thought of was a Budgeting loan for £300 - but not guaranteed I will get this.
Should I go ahead with the meter installation - it seems too good to be true.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hi Roy,

Thanks for posting. I think the decision is down to you with this one, paying for gas and electricity through pre-payment meters is usually substantially more expensive than paying through monthly bills and the installations costs will have to be paid by you. On the other hand, some people prefer to pay using meters and feel that the additional cost is worth it to avoid getting unexpected bills.

I would suggest your other option would be to propose a lower instalment arrangement, where you pay for your normal usage and an affordable additional amount towards the arrears, paying on a monthly billing system rather than on meters.

You can also get more advice about energy efficiency at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ or http://www.warmfront.co.uk/.

Regards


Matthew

CCCS_Sarah

clucky26 wrote: »

Hi been reading earlier posts. Someone mentions charging orders coming into force this month - is that right? I'm really worried - don't want to loose my house. Not pressed go button yet on DMP just waiting for a few things to be finalised x

Charging Orders have been around for a long time, these could be granted if you default on a County Court Judgment. There were plans to change this, however this has now been rethought the government.

CCCS_Matthew

missg82 wrote: »

I've set up my debt management plan and will make my first payment on May 1st.

I've had just one letter since I sent off my documents to CCCS 4 weeks ago - that stated that one of my creditors had refused the offer. This doesn't worry me too much as it's a small debt of £200, so I can deal with that seperately.

I just wanted to know, how will I know if my other creditors have accepted the DM plan? Do I assume no news is good news?

This is the best I've felt in ages in terms of my debt - finally feel a bit more in control! Thank you!

Hello,

I’m glad starting your DMP has helped you feel more positive about your finances.

It’s hard to say what will happen with your other creditors, some write to both CCCS and their clients, others to just one of us and many do not write at all. We always hope creditors will co-operate with lower payments, and in the main they do, but it is ultimately their decision.

We will continue to pay your creditors whether they are happy with the payment amounts or not. If you are really curious you could ring around to ask each creditor, though if they are not contact you asking for more money it does imply they are happy with the payments that are goig to be coming through the DMP.

Regards

Matthew

shine24

Hi bit of an usual situation. I've got £30,000 worth of debt and am looking at sorting this out throught the cccs. I have a joint mortgage with my partner who earns £42000 a year has no debts or credit cards (lucky fellow) the mortgage has never been in arrears and he could afford to pay the mortagae on his own if needed. However if I go down the DMP route my credit score will obviously be affected so he is worried if we want to move within the next 10 years and we put in for a joint mortgage again even if he could technically afford to pay all of the mortgage would they turn us down because of my DMP? Thanks for your help. (we're not married - didn't know if that makes a difference?)

CCCS_Sue

jp30001 wrote: »

My husband has got himself in debt I’m contacting CCCS tomorrow. My question is my husbands wage is going to go into my bank account which means any direct debts will not get paid and will get more charges and takes his overdraft deeper into debt. Should I put money into his account to cover the DD if I do that will put me overdrawn on my account.

Ps DD are due 17th this month

Hi jp30001 and thank you for your message

If the DD’s are for priority bills such as mortgage/council tax/utility bills etc, then it is important that you keep these up to date and that do not fall behind. You may have to send them a payment for this month until you set the DDs up again in your husbands new account. Let them know you are in the process of changing bank accounts.

If they are for unsecured personal loans/credits cards/store cards etc, then you need to cancel these DDs and offer a token payment to your creditors until you have had your appointment with us. Do not try to keep up the DD minimum payments if it means you fall behind with priority payments
We will advice you at your appointment on how to deal with making repayments to the overdraft.
The important thing is that your husband is not paying money into an account where he has debts as the bank could use this to pay off any outstanding debts with them, leaving you no money for priorities and every day living costs.

All this will be explained in much more detail at your appointment.

Regards
CCCS_Sue

CCCS_Sue

matthew_s wrote: »

Hi there CCCS advisors, im wondering if you can help me, bascically i have done your online advisor thing and it has recomended i do a IVA, but under the creditors section i put (for instance) my Natwest CC and the contractual payment (this is the minimum payment each month yes?) was put in at £300 - the minimum payment is actually only £223 but i couldnt change this £300 figure,

is the £300 put in for a reason or something and why couldnt i change it ?

Thank you and hoping that you can help...........Matt

Hi Matt and thank you for your email

The system generates a minimum amount based on the total debt.

I will send you a PM with the telephone number of our Debt Remedy Team so that you can speak to them directly and they will be able to help you further.

Regards
CCCS_Sue

CCCS_Sue

foolishqueen wrote: »

Evening All,

Just received my initial stuff from CCCS after completing the Debt Remedy online. Just a couple of quick questions if I may:

1. I can't find the original Debt Remedy booklet I got - will I get a copy of my budget? Just want to update my spreadsheet so I can keep track of things!

2. Payments are taken on the 1st of each month - when is mine likely to start if I get the stuff back this week? i.e. you probably won't get it until Monday.

Thanks.

Hi foolishqueen

I will PM the Debt Remedy helpline number to you for further help with the above questions

Regards
CCC_Sue

CCCS_Sue

moneybackplease wrote: »

dunno if it was a good idea but foned DCA today and was told I couldn't engage in writing as they are a Phoned Based Organisation.
this was my first contact with them after they bought my debt from Marbles.
company called Capquest.

Hi moneybackplease

Thank you for your message

Can you just clarify what information you were requesting from them and then I will be able to help you further.

Regards
CCCS_Sue

foolishqueen

Thanks Sue, much appreciated.

faye1978

Hi,

I have 2 credit cards which I am really struggling to pay minimum amounts on. I recently wrote a Credit card cheque (in a moment of weakness) and not for a huge amount but since then my Mum told me that I could request the card companies stop interest on my balance. Could I do this even though I have an outstanding cheque with them?

Thanks