Newbie facing up to reality

MalD

Taking action today...

So far have with 2 phone calls and some on-line account management have reduced direct debit amounts for BT, Oil and electric, total saving of £99 per month.:)

Also, Oil was over budget, and since they do not send regular statements I had reverse of what happened previously, as I was paying too much, account was in credit by £494, I am now getting a refund of £294 and leaving £200 to cover next fuel delivery allowing me to reduce monthly DD to much lower.

This effectively gives me £400 towards urgent council tax arrears.

Will be looking at moving from BT when current contract is up in 2011, and continually reviewing DD amount if we keep our usage down to minimum over this quarter.

MalD

More stuff...

got quote for cheaper car insurance which is due in Jan, will be saving about £15 per month and including breakdown cover so can cancel RAC which costing me loads

Also processing claim to get 25% off council tax as my wife is now full time student

Mal

Just wish I wasn't worried about Bailiffs collecting on council tax

darwins_mum

Hi MalD, how far back do your council tax arrears span? If they are for this financial year only, you can contact the local authority directly, request that the account is taken back from the bailiffs and arrange to pay current liability in monthly instalments plus whatever you can afford off the arrears (use the savings that you have made from reduced payments to Oil company and car insurance etc).
If you have arrears from previous years, you can again enter into an arrangement to pay these starting from a minimum of £5 p/w.
You may also be able to get your 25% discount for your wife backdated to the date that she became a full time student, you ill have to provide proof of eligibility.
Hope this helps