how to reclaim BT late payment charges?

tifo

How do I reclaim late payment charges (£7.50 each) from BT?

I've complained to them and had it declined. I've then passed it to the Ombudsman: Communications who says they cannot look at it as it's a commercial decision by BT.

Why does UTCCR and the law on penalties not apply to BT?

Heinz

It probably does - but you have to prove the charges were unfair (i.e. prove - probably in the Small Claims Court - that you weren't late with your payment).

tifo

Heinz wrote: »

(i.e. prove - probably in the Small Claims Court - that you weren't late with your payment).

No, i was late some days with the payment which is why they charged but the law says it should cover their costs only, doesn't it?

Heinz

I think you'll find their T&Cs specify their charges in such circumstances.

I recommend Monthly Whole Bill Direct debit.

tifo

Heinz wrote: »

I think you'll find their T&Cs specify their charges in such circumstances.

Yes of course, in the same way that credit card/loan T's and C's specify default charges. But these have to comply with the law, which in this case is UTCCR and common law.

Does it cost a credit card company £12 (or more) x 2 when I pay late late and/or miss a payment?

In the same way, does it cost BT £7.50 when I pay a few days later than the 10 days they give?

tifo

Heinz wrote: »

I recommend Monthly Whole Bill Direct debit.

I don't use this to stop possible bank charges.

macman

tifo wrote: »

Yes of course, in the same way that credit card/loan T's and C's specify default charges. But these have to comply with the law, which in this case is UTCCR and common law.

Does it cost a credit card company £12 (or more) x 2 when I pay late late and/or miss a payment?

In the same way, does it cost BT £7.50 when I pay a few days later than the 10 days they give?

Probably not, but as Heinz said, the onus is on you to prove that in court. If you want to finance a test case on that basis, we'll all be right behind you.

tifo

macman wrote: »

If you want to finance a test case on that basis, we'll all be right behind you.

How can you help ....

Heinz

tifo wrote: »

I don't use this to stop possible bank charges.

..... resulting in you being charged BT's (lower) £7.50 LPF.

In a strange way, that's money saving!

tifo

Heinz wrote: »

..... resulting in you being charged BT's (lower) £7.50 LPF.

In a strange way, that's money saving!

Not really, resulting in BT charging me £7.50.

I don't pay bank charges because the payment does not get returned as no direct debit.

tifo

Also, since BT charge in advance for the 3 month line rental, I only really owe them the call charges for which payment is late, plus some days line rental.