3rd Time BR, in 4k+ debt after 6 months!

sizzler

can you really help this person?

WLITC

These people sound like idiots. Sorry, I know people are wondering whether they are depressing or bi-polar, but I suspect they are just stupid and selfish. Harsh I know, but it what most of us are thinking. I don't believe that they didn't know they were doing wrong in spendng the money. Having be made BR multiple times, I can't believe that they wouldn't be aware of the fact that they needed to report this money to the OR and that he would almost certainly take that money. The fact they spent it so quickly suggests they knew full well he's want it and figured he can't take what they don't have. These people need to have a full 15 year BRO and with a bit of luck maybe a few months in prision. That might finally jolt them in to reality.

sizzler

I know its harsh to say but I agree. Once is enough for me:mad:

DarkConvict

Some bits i don't disagree with. Although apparently BR has changed since they last did it. Was probably too easy to drop the responsibilities in the past.

I still think taking the £4500 is too much, if it was just the redundancy part i could understand, but the amount included outstanding backpay, holiday pay and notice period.
If it was all taken, they would not have had enough to cover rent and council tax as that was over a month working salary they wanted to seize.

Things have turned worse for them again though, linked to the above the council tax and rent was lowered for a few months due to illness (off work) and been out of work, however they have now decided this should not have been done as they didn't take his medical retirement pension into account, so the council are demanding roughly £1200 as well as the OR wanting the redundancy money. They have disputed it and they have taken £0.50 of the balance.
They are in the position that it would be cheaper for them to live if they gave up the pension and any attempts to get back into work as benefits would cover everything. Even though they can barely walk they are looking for a new job, or at least trying to, epilepsy and poor physical health due to arthritis rights them off from many jobs.

So much has gone wrong, alot but not all their fault. I do still feel sorry for them.

miss_spooky

Hi,

I think the only thing you can do now to help them is to try and negociate a repayment with the OR & the same with the hb &ctb. If they are both on benefits the council can only take back a small amount, about £10pw (I think) for both. They really need to get down the CAB again to sort all this out - though you already know that. The CAB should be able to neg with the OR & council on their behalf.

Another thing would be for them to keep a spending diary for a month so that they can see where the money is going. At least that way you'll have a better idea.

Unfortunately, some people are beyond help. You probably feel like getting hold of them and giving them a good shake! I know I've felt the same at time helping people. But you can only advise & what they then do with that is up to them.

I do sympathise wioth you as I know how heartbreaking it can be when people seem so nice.

Good luck with it all.

DarkConvict

I just pushed forward the idea of a spending diary, but they didn't seem to like the idea. They would probably not remember to write it all down anyway.

Ill put forward the idea of using CAB to help negotiate.