Can anyone advise on old water debt.

ldavison10

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

DarkConvict

As it is before you were married the debt would be for her to pay off herself, as the account would have been in her name. But as your married your bound to pay it off together even though legally you don't have to. (i.e. you split up, not saying that you would)

Do check the last payment was 5 years ago not 6, as if it has been 6 years (5 in Scotland) since last payment/acknowledgement in writing it would probably be statute barred.

They should allow you to pay in instalments, but it maybe worth sending this prove it letter to ensure there numbers match up to yours - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=11570893&postcount=2