Debt what to do BC + Wells

pokerjk

Hi, I owe Scottish power £692.99 for a final bill after moving out of a rented house because they only estimated my bill every month and apparently I used a hell of a lot more than they thought.

I said I couldn't pay and it was unfair as no one came to read the meter. I said I have just left University and don't have a job just a lot of other debt.

Now they have referred my debt to buchananclark + wells and added 12.50% to the total so I know owe £779.61... Great!

I now have a part time job so can afford to pay a bit back each month, but I don't know what to do as they want full payment or the charge will be increased to 30%!

I don't want a bad credit report I just want rid of this now.

Any help I would greatly appreciate.

DarkConvict

These so called charges sound unlawful to me, have they given any explanation of them to you? They are far to high in my opinion as even adding on a random £30 is not allowed. These charges must be clearly stated in the terms and conditions and also be lawful

The energy company should allow you to repay in instalments.
I would potentially advise you give OFGEM a call to discuss the matter - http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Pages/OfgemHome.aspx

pokerjk

In the letter it says administration costs "£86.62".

Which is "to compensate our clients for the costs incurred in recovering this debt".

They did offer a plan but wanted 50% of the bill paid first, which with no job no money, a big over draft was impossible for me to do.

Do you think its worth contacting scottish power again and trying to pay over 12months with them or is this too late?

Hannah_10

BCW have no right in law to apply any charges, if you were feeling bloody minded about it you could force them to remove the charges, get them fined by the regulator and net yourself £10 an hour for your time...

Or then again you could let them scare you and just live in the hope they make take pity and accept every last penny you dare offer them instead...

I'd go after them. ( what do I mean I'd... there is no "I would" about it, I DO go after them).

pokerjk

Hannah_10 wrote: »

BCW have no right in law to apply any charges, if you were feeling bloody minded about it you could force them to remove the charges, get them fined by the regulator and net yourself £10 an hour for your time...

Or then again you could let them scare you and just live in the hope they make take pity and accept every last penny you dare offer them instead...

I'd go after them. ( what do I mean I'd... there is no "I would" about it, I DO go after them).

Hi Hannah, how should I go about this?

Bare in mind Scottish Power did say if they had to move the debt on to BCW there would be a charge.

When I ring them how do I back up the fact that in law they have no right to add these charges? As they will just say "yes we do, you were warned" Also I am not sure what you mean by the regulator sorry?

Thanks for help people so far...

DarkConvict

Firstly, do not ring, only write to them to force a paper trail to exist incase they lie on the telephone.

You should get some advice from consumer direct, OFT and OFGEM before writing so you know where you stand.

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/consumer_credit/oft664.pdf

f. pressurising debtors to pay in full, in unreasonably large instalments,
or to increase payments when they are unable to do so

a. claiming collection costs from a debtor in the absence of express
contractual or other legal provision

pokerjk

Thanks I shall give them a ring tomorrow and see what they say.

Would it be worthwhile going to Citizens Advice?

DVardysShadow

pokerjk wrote: »

... Bare in mind Scottish Power did say if they had to move the debt on to BCW there would be a charge.

When I ring them how do I back up the fact that in law they have no right to add these charges? As they will just say "yes we do, you were warned" Also I am not sure what you mean by the regulator sorry?

Let us be more precise here. Charges can only be added if they are in the original contract with Scottish Power. If they are not in the contract, then neither BC&W nor SP can impose them. It all depends on the contract.

DarkConvict wrote: »

Firstly, do not ring, only write to them to force a paper trail to exist incase they lie on the telephone.

pokerjk wrote: »

Thanks I shall give them a ring tomorrow and see what they say.

Would it be worthwhile going to Citizens Advice?

Groan.

pokerjk

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Let us be more precise here. Charges can only be added if they are in the original contract with Scottish Power. If they are not in the contract, then neither BC&W nor SP can impose them. It all depends on the contract.





Groan.

Is it going to be possible for me to get the original contract as I have no paper work from them?

I take that as a hell no for the Citizens Advice...

NorthernLas

Nooo! its because DC said don't phone them and your reply said OK, I'll phone them tomorrow :cool:

NorthernLas

OK, did you read the meter and supply a reading to Scottish Power when you moved out? If you didn't, it will be difficult to prove that the bill is unfair.

I think it is worth contacting Scottish Power by email to explain that you are currently unemployed and are seeking advice so that you can arrange payment plans with all of your creditors. If you have an email for BCW, I would send them the same letter, but also ask of a detailed explanation of the charges applied. There is a letter on the National Debtline website http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/debt_advice.php#3 (sample letters section) which asks that creditors hold action on your account.

Then you need to work out your budget and make offers to your creditors. You should be able to work this out using the self help on NDL, but you could get an appointment with CAB and get them to help you.