British gas default

cloudN16

Hello,
Accessing my credit file for the first time last week I noticed a default placed by British Gas in December 2011. I since found out that this is because of a bill I didn't pay from June 2007.

Now I have not received an invoice or any reminders or a default warning.

They tell me it would have been my responsibility to notice the missing invoice and chase it up?

I can't quite believe this. I imagine there must be some rules for them, which determines what they have to do before just placing a default. And why die they wait 4.5 years. If they would have done it earlier I would still appeal of course but there wouldn't be six whole years left now. It seems insane.

I am waiting for them to send me details of what they claim that they sent and when but it would be great if anyone would now what they legally need to do. This can ruin me financially as I want to buy a flat right now and am 41, so can't wait 6 years to do so. All that for 291 pounds.

Also after a break I have been a customer with British Gas for the last 4 years, always paying on time. This is now at a different address but I still have links to my old address and now 100% certain that they did not send anything, ever!!!

Any advice would be great,
thanks
cloud

macman

Did you close the account off in 2007 and submit final readings?

cloudN16

I did close it yes and I do realise that I overlooked that they never send an invoice.

McKneff

Did you contact them to change your address after you moved.

Or do a redirection of your post with the Post office.

If you didnt do either of these, the invoice, red letters would have gone to the old address.

As far as I'm aware, a default has to be registered within 6 months so I would question the date of 2011.

cloudN16

thanks, the thing is I still get all my post from the old address!
I did submit final readings in January and a new address but they don't have that on their records. Somehow the account moved in April magically. It's all very strange and again, definitely no reminders or anything. I still stay at the address sometimes and it's a close friend of mine who lives there.

Thanks for the 6 months thing.

jalexa

cloudN16 wrote: »

They tell me it would have been my responsibility to notice the missing invoice and chase it up?

If that was uttered by a normal Customer Service Adviser it might just be an inept remark. If uttered by a credit section adviser it is "dishonest".

The primary responsibility is on British Gas to send it (and any other communication specified by their credit control process). Until that has been explored your "responsibility" is minimal.

Raise a formal complaint (in writing or by email). That will create an audit trail for the process. Focus on any failures and inconsistencies in the British Gas arguments you are aware off.

cloudN16

This was in an email from a member of the complaint department. I since have written (letter sent by post) to Andy Eley, Head of Complaints, although the person who sent the email indicated this might land on her desk anyway as she works for him directly.

Thanks for your email. I feel better simply by someone understanding. It's really freaking me out.

McKneff

Just my little story about my daughter.

She settled a full and final with the amount given to her. Moved in with us for some TLC after a long term relationship break up.

2 years later went for a mortgage with her new partner and was refused. They told her she had a default wich she had do idea about and was advised to fight it.

This default had come about because whoever gave her the full and final figure had given her the wrong figure, they registered a default for the difference. They didnt even try to find her, as soon as she moved her (only half a mile from her previous home) same postcode, she was put on the electoral roll. She fought it, and won, default was removed and she was given £100 compensation. So if you are 100% sure, dig your heels in.
Her OH had to get the mortgage on his own because they couldnt wait as the bungalow they wanted was a reall bargain price and they didnt want to lose it by waiting.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Terrylw1

Its dodgy. They can't justify a default that old.

I suggest you ask them why they have failed to raise the issue despite your mail redirection over 4.5 years.

The response from the complaints dept is idiotic.

cloudN16

Mckneff, can I ask how she fought it? I'm in a similar situation where I want to buy a flat I've seen but I'm a single patent so if I don't get the mortgage now the flats gone.
British gas is supposed to have a two level complaint system but it seems it's the same people responding on each stage.

Thanks for all comments
Cloud

Terrylw1

Its a level of severity, so after X days you move upwards but its not that you get to anyone more senior.

After 8 weeks you can also escalate to the ombudsman.