Similar issue to bank charges

khizman

I pay around £24k for some services, this is paid 8k every 4 months,
now if I pay a little late, they add £30 a week onto the bill, is this legal, or is it illegal?

sgx.saint

Might want to provide a little more information as it's a little vague for us to provide advice.

khizman

sgx.saint wrote:

Might want to provide a little more information as it's a little vague for us to provide advice.

Hmm, I dont want to disclose too much about it, I get a bill at the beginning of the service period (so I pay for the service at the beginning of that 4 months)

If I am late to pay for the services, I am billed £30 for having my account overdue. Is that enough info?
Sorry, I really don't want to reveal too much.

Rex_Mundi

Without knowing what the £30 payment relates to (there may be a good reason for this charge). It is difficult to know whether it is a fair charge or not.

khizman

Al_Mac wrote:

If they charge you £30 because it costs them £30 in admin and other costs, then it is fair.

Can you prove it does not cost them £30?

Not sure about that tbh, they apply £30 a week.
The charge is purely a late payment charge, as stated in their letter, nothing else.

All they have done is written a letter and posted it.

Rex_Mundi

khizman wrote:

All they have done is written a letter and posted it.

If you feel that's all they've done, then yes, you can reclaim these charges. Be aware that if you claim on any accounts/contract. The company may decide to end your agreement.

khizman

Rex_Mundi wrote:

The company may decide to end your agreement.

That's a worry as it's a necessity.

How long after the time can you claim? I need the service for another 2.5 years.

Rex_Mundi

The Limitations Act 1980 allows you to claim back debts within the last six years (from the date of your claim)

bengal-stripe

Don’t forget, it’s 8k a throw.

If your payment was £ 80 every 4 months, the overdue charge would be 30 pence a week. Just under 20% APR.
Hardly loan shark rates.

Rex_Mundi

None of us can give a good answer on these charges because the OP wont give any information about what these are for. It's difficult to give advice without knowing the full facts.