Baines & Ernst Question & Answer thread

Nickpearson_3

Sent off my CCCS paperwork on Tuesday and had a receipt from them today with a leter stating I'd be waiting about eight weeks. I had thought originally about switching intermediaries to Baines & Ernst but they don't even answer their DRO helpline....

Hi all

I picked up this post from another part of MSE and thought I'd respond. as I noted some weeks ago Baines, like all the DRO providers, are getting backlogs of DRO applications. We do try to take all the calls we can but with only a small team we often have to leave incoming calls to be picked up by the answer machine. We do try to get back to everyone as soon as possible and we will call if you leve a message but it may take a few days. Please note the helpline number is 0845 307 5888.

DarkConvict

Please note the helpline number is 0845 307 5888.

Can people not use the freephone number 0800 096 1331 to get in touch, or has that number been discontinued?

Tazk

Baines and ernst are purely a rip off and they just make money on people debts as they charge management fees on all solutions. One of my friend has been working there for sometimes and he mentioned company dont even pay their employees good wages. Its like slave labour there. All the director just making money and trying to rip off eveyone even employees there.

Nickpearson wrote: »

Sent off my CCCS paperwork on Tuesday and had a receipt from them today with a leter stating I'd be waiting about eight weeks. I had thought originally about switching intermediaries to Baines & Ernst but they don't even answer their DRO helpline....

Hi all

I picked up this post from another part of MSE and thought I'd respond. as I noted some weeks ago Baines, like all the DRO providers, are getting backlogs of DRO applications. We do try to take all the calls we can but with only a small team we often have to leave incoming calls to be picked up by the answer machine. We do try to get back to everyone as soon as possible and we will call if you leve a message but it may take a few days. Please note the helpline number is 0845 307 5888.

Nickpearson_3

Hi Tazk, we are a commercial firm which means that we have to make money to survive. As a result we have to charge for the debt solutions we provide (except obviously DRO's) we provide just like solicitors, accountants etc. With some 600 staff and people queuing up for jobs here I think that you point re wages is unfounded. Finally we are committed to the highest possible standards of service and advice and if you have cases of poor practice, get in touch with details and I will investigate.

Nickpearson_3

DarkConvict wrote: »

Can people not use the freephone number 0800 096 1331 to get in touch, or has that number been discontinued?

The 0800 number goes into a main help centre which deals with IVA's, DMP's etc. The 0845 307 5888 goes direct to our DRO team.

DarkConvict

The MSE team has asked to keep the topic to helping existing B&E customers problems.

Discussion on charging for DMPs is not what the topic is about, remember B&E is a company and provides a commercial service, nevertheless MSE recommends seeking debt help from these recommended providers - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2077631

Nickpearson_3

boarbaboon wrote: »

Hi Everyone

Just wanted some advice. I recently signed up with Baines and Ernst in thier debt management plan. I now wish i had done more research as i didnt relize that their 'intial fee' is 2 months payments which for me is nearly £500 and i havent been totally happy with the service as now they have my money i dont get any updates any calls nothing on how its all going.

Does anyone have any good storys or advice about B&E?
What are the advantages of paying somebody?



Hi I suggest you give us a call to discuss the options before you make any decision. Your should have received updates and if there are issues we would get in touch. If you want me to investigate issues raised please get in touch.

Smart_Mart

Earlier on the thread, someone suggested Baines & Ernst as an intermediary and posted a telephone number for them but after I left my number with them, they haven't called back at all.:(

You could try hunting back a few pages or visit their website but I reckon all intermediaries are snowed under, it seems.

Nickpearson_3

Hi Smart Mart

We are absolutely inundated with people calling us about DRO's so as I mentioned in an earlier post we will get back to you but its currently taking at least a week. I think most of the intermediaries are snowed under. Indeed I was at an event last week where a number of intermediaries were saying they had 8+ week waiting lists.

Nickpearson_3

WARNING: TAYLOR CAVENDISH.

Hi all

We have see 3-4 clients who have approached the above firm, based in Chesterfield, for a DRO. In return for assisting the client with a Debt Relief Order application we have seen documentary evidence that they are charging a substancial fee for the DRO advice eg fee's of £390 to £520. The Insolvency Service have confirmed that they do not have accredited intermediaries so can't provide a DRO direct and as people will be aware the legislation has been framed to try to prevent firms charging for DRO advice. The IS DRO Unit has passed this for investigation to the IS company investigation branch

Cheers