Ask a CCCS counsellor a question

huskypup

Hello

We are thinking of trying to set up a DMP, I have used the online tool and everything seems ok, one question is people are being advised to set up new basic bank accounts - would we need to do this, our bank account is infact our mortgage as we have a one account, and all of our wages need to be paid into this account.

We have not defaulted on any payments yet and have a good credit score, but we are only left with about £100 to live on after bills and food have been bought.

CCCS_Matthew

Do you have any futher credit with the bank such as a credit card or overdraft?

huskypup

No overdraft - in fact we are ahead slightly on our mortgage.

We have Tesco credit cards and loans which are underwritten by the RBS - as is the one account.

CCCS_Matthew

huskypup wrote: »

No overdraft - in fact we are ahead slightly on our mortgage.

We have Tesco credit cards and loans which are underwritten by the RBS - as is the one account.

You would need to look at setting up an alternative account away from RBS, to ensure they don't offset money from the current account to pay your credit debts which would jeopordise the DMP.

If you call our Debt Remedy support line (the number should be in the info pack you've got, if not let me know and I'll PM you with it) and they can explain what your options are with setting up an alternative account.

Matthew

Fossildog

Hi,

What safeguards are there that people who apply for help from the CCCS are telling the truth? My wifes ex-husband has gone on a DMP with the CCCS and he is lying to them. He is a high earner, lives in a large detached house, holidays 3/4 times a year and drives a new car and yet 'does not have enough money to pay maintenance for his children'. I gather CCCS regards maintenance as an important expense and yet he is playing the system using the CCCS as a patsy. Surely just trusting what someone tells them should not be good enough for the CCCS? For instance, how does the CCCS check if he is paying maintenance if he claims he is on his SOA?

CCCS_Sarah

Fossildog wrote: »

Hi,

What safeguards are there that people who apply for help from the CCCS are telling the truth? My wifes ex-husband has gone on a DMP with the CCCS and he is lying to them. He is a high earner, lives in a large detached house, holidays 3/4 times a year and drives a new car and yet 'does not have enough money to pay maintenance for his children'. I gather CCCS regards maintenance as an important expense and yet he is playing the system using the CCCS as a patsy. Surely just trusting what someone tells them should not be good enough for the CCCS? For instance, how does the CCCS check if he is paying maintenance if he claims he is on his SOA?

Hi Fossildog,

Thank you for your message.

When setting up a dmp, we do ask for proof of income and proof of the debts. As far as expenditure is concerned, we do trust our clients to be honest with their details. If somebody has been dishonest this will directly impact them, as it will take longer to clear the debts, so this is not to their advantage.

With regards child support, if your wife’s ex husband is not paying child support, then this is a matter for the CSA and she should look into making a complaint. If this is something that he does avoid, and subsequently refuses to pay, then they have the ability to deduct the payment directly from his wages and thus verify exactly what he is earning. They will also be able to chase any arrears accrued.

If your wife would like to contact the CSA then their number is 08457 133 133.

If she has already contacted the CSA and is having problems, she could also contact the Child Support Action Group (NACSA) www.nacsa.org.uk

Sarah

Fossildog

CCCS_Sarah wrote: »

Hi Fossildog,

Thank you for your message.

When setting up a dmp, we do ask for proof of income and proof of the debts. As far as expenditure is concerned, we do trust our clients to be honest with their details. If somebody has been dishonest this will directly impact them, as it will take longer to clear the debts, so this is not to their advantage.

With regards child support, if your wife’s ex husband is not paying child support, then this is a matter for the CSA and she should look into making a complaint. If this is something that he does avoid, and subsequently refuses to pay, then they have the ability to deduct the payment directly from his wages and thus verify exactly what he is earning. They will also be able to chase any arrears accrued.

If your wife would like to contact the CSA then their number is 08457 133 133.

If she has already contacted the CSA and is having problems, she could also contact the Child Support Action Group (NACSA) www.nacsa.org.uk

Sarah

Thanks for the prompt reply. He is a financial advisor, self employed and we have been through the CSA and the courts to no avail as he is very good at hiding his income and runs rings around us.

My question though was what prevents him claiming to the CCCS that he pays £XXX child support each month when he doesnt and he pockets this for spending money when he is off on his hols? Is it just a matter of trusting that the main reason for wanting a DMP is to pay off debts?

CCCS_Sarah

Fossildog wrote: »

Thanks for the prompt reply. He is a financial advisor, self employed and we have been through the CSA and the courts to no avail as he is very good at hiding his income and runs rings around us.

My question though was what prevents him claiming to the CCCS that he pays £XXX child support each month when he doesnt and he pockets this for spending money when he is off on his hols? Is it just a matter of trusting that the main reason for wanting a DMP is to pay off debts?

It would be, as we can only go on the information that has been provided to us.

ginger0705

hi,

my husband and i have protected trust deed (we live in scotland). our youngest son receives dla which the administrators allowed us to keep along with the rise we got in tax credits because of the dla.
our older son is now in receipt of dla too, are they able to take that off us or is the reason we're allowed to keep it because it's awarded to the children but just goes into our account?

CCCS_Matthew

ginger0705 wrote: »

hi,

my husband and i have protected trust deed (we live in scotland). our youngest son receives dla which the administrators allowed us to keep along with the rise we got in tax credits because of the dla.
our older son is now in receipt of dla too, are they able to take that off us or is the reason we're allowed to keep it because it's awarded to the children but just goes into our account?

Generally speaking DLA is not taken into account as an income used to repay debts with, as the reason that DLA is granted is to help with the costs associated with the disability.

I would still advise you to contact the trustee, as any changes to your financial circumstances need to be discussed. I shouldn't think this would have an impact on what is paid to your creditors, based on the above reason.

Hope this helps,
Matthew.