Lending to drunks?

20021991

Hello, Some advice please.

I've got a close relative who is an alcoholic, not working, basically we've been trying to put his life in a straight line before he wastes it away completely. Hes just past 60 years old.

As he never has any money he often turns to the local providant money lender where he borrows a money for a week or two's worth of drink then pays triple in interest. Leaving no money for bills and often get demands for electric & gas money.

We have tried to keep him away from the lender and even had several 'heated' discussions with the provy rep to stay clear of him . Problem is she only ever turns up when he's drunk (most of the time) or in withdrawal. Were in a small town so there is only one rep. She's well known in the town for targeting the drunks. Which I guess is what these people are famous for, and targeting the most vulnerable.

Is there anyway to stop him getting money off the provident? As its a 'proper' company they must have to follow some sort of guidelines? As it can't be responsible lending to lend to a alcoholic under the influence?

Now its not like I'm asking for the money back, whats done is done. I just want him to stop borrowing money off the provy. Is it legal for her to lend money to him when he is drunk? Anything under diminished responsibility or something?

bigadaj

Very difficult, short. Of getting him sectioned then there is little you can do. You could try and get the local paper or regional tv news interested as they wouldn't like the bad publicity maybe.

Gordon_Hose

Nothing you can do really.

chubbs1981

It is possible for gamblers to get themselves banned from betting shops. If the person wishes to bypass the provy rep and go up the chain to make themselves unavailable that should be possible if asked nicely.

As for lending him money when he is drunk. It is illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is drunk but how many times do you see people in pubs or clubs getting served when they are hammered. The issue with this route for you is proving he was 'drunk'. what is the definition of drunk, who can prove he is drunk. You are in effect asking the provider to make an assessment on the level of intoxication, if as you claim this person is 'known' for this sort of thing do you really trust them to make that judgement?

As above short of getting said relative into rehab or sectioning you appear to be stuck on the basis they are an adult of sound mind (until sectioned) I'd contact the reps boss of the head office to discuss your concerns if they fob you off i'd head to the ombudsman.

Does your relative want to stop borrowing? If they don't your are going to have a very difficult time.

mynameistallulah

chubbs1981 wrote: »

As above short of getting said relative into rehab or sectioning you appear to be stuck on the basis they are an adult of sound mind (until sectioned) I'd contact the reps boss of the head office to discuss your concerns if they fob you off i'd head to the ombudsman.

Whilst I agree with everything you are saying, I just want to clarify this point - someone under a sectioning order is so because they are a risk to themselves or others, it does not mean that they lack capacity over their financial affairs. In fact, 80% of people under a section still retain capacity in most areas.

It is also worth noting that many mental health units have internet access, so even being hospitalised would not make it impossible to apply for credit.

wwfc_2

You can not be sectioned purley for being an alcoholic as its no longer classed as a disorder of the mind since the changes to the MHA where made in 2007.

simon2010

Also, if he is an alcoholic he probably appears sober to the rep!!


I would write a letter to prov voicing your concerns. At least they cannot ignore the letter.

Probably tell you the authorisation has to come from him cause of all the reasons listed above!!

sulkisu

I doubt very much that the rep waits until he's drunk to turn up. If he is always drunk, then it would be hard to avoid. He is probably sober(ish) when he takes out the loan. Provident will then visit regularly to collect the payments, at which time being drunk or sober makes little difference.

TBH it is his alcohol problem that needs addressing, not the Provident and until this is done I would leave the situation with the Provident well alone.

If the Provident disappeared tomorrow, your relative won't just stop drinking (if only it were that easy), he will simply get the money elsewhere (as so may alcoholics and drug addicts do). Begging, stealing or using doorstep lenders. Try writing a letter to a loan shark that he owes money to.

Obviously you are only trying to help, but by cutting off that particular line of credit, you could make things worse.

autumnbarra

Only he realized he was wrong.

BugsyBrowne

sulkisu wrote: »

I doubt very much that the rep waits until he's drunk to turn up. If he is always drunk, then it would be hard to avoid. He is probably sober(ish) when he takes out the loan. Provident will then visit regularly to collect the payments, at which time being drunk or sober makes little difference.

TBH it is his alcohol problem that needs addressing, not the Provident and until this is done I would leave the situation with the Provident well alone.

If the Provident disappeared tomorrow, your relative won't just stop drinking (if only it were that easy), he will simply get the money elsewhere (as so may alcoholics and drug addicts do). Begging, stealing or using doorstep lenders. Try writing a letter to a loan shark that he owes money to.

Obviously you are only trying to help, but by cutting off that particular line of credit, you could make things worse.

Good advice & totally agree its a Shame but alcoholics will find a way of getting hold of drink no matter what and Unfortuantly their body is craving it by now & most alcoholics know how dangerous it is to stop feeding the body with booze.

The close relative will continue to abuse alcohol and until he decides enough is enough there's really nothing you can do.

ILW

simon2010 wrote: »

Also, if he is an alcoholic he probably appears sober to the rep!!


I would write a letter to prov voicing your concerns. At least they cannot ignore the letter.

Probably tell you the authorisation has to come from him cause of all the reasons listed above!!

That sounds rather dodgy, and possibly even illegal.

Would you be happy if a neighbour wrote to your bank about you because they did not think you were handling your finances correctly?