British gas! i'm in deep doodoo!URGENT!

Skint_bird

Hi folks,
i was reccommended this site by a friend.

I have a huge problem which i've been ignoring (bad,i know!)
well, basically i owe British Gas £900 because of unpaid bills.
i've had letters,phone calls ect but ive ignored them (i have clinical depression,i know its not an excuse though)
to cut a long story short i have recieved a couple of letters saying they are going to start court proceedings and will be cutting off my supply.
i cant let this happen as i have 3 young children who will FREEZE! my partner lost his job and we are now on couples job seekers allowance we cannot afford to pay £900 we just do not have it.
i really need some help/advice is there anything i can do???
please help x

nickyhutch

Ring them up and talk to them. They can't do anything for you if you ignore them, can they?

I was in this situation a few years back (less money, no small kids, though) and we finally got pre pay meters fitted and paid the debt back through them. Best thing I ever did, gas and electricity-wise.

Buttercup2305

Hi I was in the same situation except I owed more and they threatened court proceedings. My partner spoke to them on my behalf and they were really nice. They have put a pre payment meter in for me and I pay the minimal on the debt and also my top up. They also sent me something so that i can top up from home which is a great help.

savemoney

Might be worth applying to British gas charity

http://www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/

The British Gas Energy Trust, which incorporates the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, is an independent Charitable Trust established in September 2004 which aims to contribute to the fight against poverty. Covering England, Scotland and Wales; it is the first national utility Trust of its kind and makes a significant difference to those in need.

Grants are available to help individuals and families in need to meet arrears of energy charges and other household bills and costs (see Grants to Individuals). The Trust also funds voluntary sector organisations to provide money and debt advice services (see Organisational Grants).


The Trust is overseen by a number of independent, unpaid Trustees and is managed on a day-to-day basis by Charis Grants Ltd, an organisation which has significant grant making experience. The Trust has to date awarded over £11 million in grants to individuals.

Joyful

You can call them and either get prepayment meters fitted or have it taken from your benefits at source ( called Fueldirect). Do this quickly before you get extra money added on for Warrant charges

wornoutmumoftwo

savemoney wrote: »

Might be worth applying to British gas charity

http://www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/

The British Gas Energy Trust, which incorporates the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, is an independent Charitable Trust established in September 2004 which aims to contribute to the fight against poverty. Covering England, Scotland and Wales; it is the first national utility Trust of its kind and makes a significant difference to those in need.

Grants are available to help individuals and families in need to meet arrears of energy charges and other household bills and costs (see Grants to Individuals). The Trust also funds voluntary sector organisations to provide money and debt advice services (see Organisational Grants).


The Trust is overseen by a number of independent, unpaid Trustees and is managed on a day-to-day basis by Charis Grants Ltd, an organisation which has significant grant making experience. The Trust has to date awarded over £11 million in grants to individuals.

I applied to the trust a few years back and received a grant which helped me immensely and out of a difficult difficult situation so I would recommend contacting them.

Skint_bird

Thankyou all so much,i'm going to call them and apply for a grant. xx

savemoney

Your welcome. Have a happy xmas

macman

But please talk to BG in the meantime, as once they commence proceedings you will incur legal costs and you debt will be even higher, especially if you let it go to disconnection and then reconnection charges.
If you offer them some part-payment now you might win some more time, though given that you are at the 'second court advisory letter' stage I rather fear you have left it too late for them to accept anything other than full payment-are you still making some sort of regular monthly payments to them?

savemoney

I agree with macman also dont take it for granted you will get a grant. You also need to be more pro active with regards to future billing and also look at any benefits you may get if you haven't already

You might end up with a pre-payment meter

cycloneuk

I didn't think British Gas did disconnections anymore after that elderly couple died after being cutoff years back.