Advice please re: debt on gas account in partner's ex's name!

qtlaydee

The gas is supplied to my house by British Gas.

When my partner's ex left him, she also left a debt of over £1000 on the gas account which is in her name.

We have continued to pay the monthly fixed dd charge which as you can imagine is high due to the debt.

The account itself is also on a standard, expensive tarrif. I am very much a moneysaver and it really bugs me that I cannot switch to a better deal. (I think?!)

Can anyone give me any advice as to whether I would be able to do anything to have the gas account in my own name. I obviously don't mind paying for the gas we use - but have an issue with paying for her poor money management skills which has resulted in this debt - and would also like to switch to a cheaper tariff!

Any help would be appreciated.

Best Regards

spiro

Your partner and his ex would be jointly liable for the bill if they were living in the same property regardless of whose name was on the bill.

If he gave her the money to pay the bill but she failed to pay the company then he should take action against her, not sure if this would be civil (small claims court) or criminal (theft).

I would talk to the supplier about changing tariff even if you are in debt. Normally the preclusion to the cheapest tariffs is having a ppm. Also explain the debt was caused by your partners ex and at least you 2 are now paying that off.

Premier_2

I disagree.

The bill/demand is in her sole name. She is wholly responsible for the debt.

Why are you paying someone else's account? Why is the account not in your (and/or your partner's name) since she moved out?

Mankysteve

You may disagree but spiro is right. Your partner is jointly and servilely liable for any debt built up.

The energy supplier would be able to chase your partner for the entire amount of the debt regardless of whether he gave her money for the bills or not. It would be up to him to chase her though the court .

Did he submit meter reading when she left the property and are the bills now in his name solely?

I would speak to supplier set up a repayment plan and contact a solicitor about chasing up the money owed to him for the unpaid share of the bills.

SwanJon

Whichever way you go - whether it is telling British Gas when you moved in, and a forwarding address for the previous tenant, or continuing with the current account, you can still change tariffs within British Gas.
(In the first option you can choose any tariff from any supplier)