Bankrupt going abroad to travel & do non-paid work

KTkanga

Hello all

I have been Bankrupt since April 06...Paying a reasonably hefty IPA each month since then.

Since then I have also got married. My Husband works in the housebuilding trade. He has recently been made redundant for the 2nd time in 5 months and employment is looking bleak!!

Although we don't have huge savings..We have decided to take our motorhome to Europe & travel a little bit whilst WWOOFING (willing workers on organic farms) We will get parking facilities & food in exchange for work. So we won't have much expenditure at all.

MY QUESTION is....Can I do this as a Bankrupt? Will the OR/IP be able to stop me? Will the OR/IP still expect an IPA if I'm not actually earning any money? Is there anything bad? Do I just need to inform them and leave it at that...Or do they need to review/see evidence etc

My employer has agreed to keep my job open for my return ...but obviously won't be paying me anything.

Any advice greatly appreciated. Am worried sick that it will be a problem...

:$

jakjo

Can I ask you what IPA you are paying? As I understand if you circumstance change then the IPA is reviewed. Am sure they will want proof from your employer... Have you called the National Debtline?

KTkanga

Thanks for reply

This is my first port of call.

IPA is almost £300. Are National Debtline good for advice in the later stages of bankruptcy?

jakjo

I think you should give them a try, you have nothing to lose. They have been very helpful with me so far, although granted i only went bankrupt last month!!! I can only "assume" Can you ask your OR?

deedee_3

NDL will be able to advise you any time during your bankruptcy.

But if you do want to take off then all you do is inform the OR that you are going away and give him a way to contact you.

peachyprice

I agree with Deedee, you just tell the OR what you are doing, you do not need permission, they cannot stop you, and you will not need proof of anything. If they really want to find out if you're still earning in the UK they will contact HMRC.

Just tell them when you are leaving and that you will have no income from that date and an address/phone number you can be contacted on.

I'ts probably best to get it done before you go so they can suspend your IPA in time and get the contact details, rather than just doing a bunk

KTkanga

Thanks all

Made me feel a lot better. Did email the OR today just to ask how i go about updating details & circumstance....But no reply as yet. Will just go ahead and send full update tomorrow,

You've made me feel so much better. Had a nasty experience with my initial OR at the beginning and think it has put me off ever communicating with them again!!

Will sleep happy now.

So_Sad_Angel

Good luck KT !!

Never heard of `wwoofing` b4 but sounds like fun !!!

If BR in 2006 the you should be near the end of you IPA anyway I would have thought.

Angexx

KTkanga

oooops! Meant April 2007!!

wishful thinking..!!??

fiveyearplan

Sounds fun! I don't think you'll have a problem as you won't be earning enough to pay for IPA. I agree with Peachy - just inform them of your plans - you just need to say you're going abroad and won't be earning sufficient wage to pay IPA.