BT battle

Skimbleshanks

I found out purely by accident that my Direct Debit with BT was being increased, I had no e-mail warning me or any notification. I e-mailed BT and had a reply stating this was correct even though I am approximately half way through a contract. I wrote again and received a phone call but unfortunately couldn't understand the accent but as far as I could make out he was only confirming what the e-mail said. I found the clause in the terms and conditions that say if they increase the price to my disadvantage I can leave BT without paying the penalty. I informed them of this which was totally ignored and I requested my MAC code which I received but I was informed I would be charged a fee of over £100 to leave.
I feel they are treating me as an idiot and not addressing this issue and either ignoring me or just being obtuse hoping I'll go away!!

bod1467

You are in the right - they cannot change your contract to your material disadvantage without giving you the option to cancel the contract with no penalty. You might want to post this question over on the Consumer Rights forum for more detailed advice.

BT_company_representative

Hi Skimbleshanks

I can help with your direct debit payments.

You will find contact details for us in my profile drop us an email and we'll contact you.

Thanks

Stuart

macman

But on what basis are they increasing your DD-not necessarily the same thing as increasing your contract pricing?

bod1467

I suspect it relates to BT's recent announcement for increasing landline rental costs. But IMHO, for people within a contract term, such a change counts as a material detriment change hence the contract escape clause becomes active.

TalkTalk always try to say such a change doesn't invoke the escape clause, but people who complain usually win.