Electoral Roll - Yes or No and how can I get rid of defaults on my credit report?

debtfreewannabe2010

I am not on the electoral roll and I am afraid that if I go on it I will be inviting nasty letters from debt collectors who I cannot afford to pay. I built up some small debts during very difficult times and, although I have not created any new debt for at least a couple of years, my credit rating is 'Fair' (according to Credit Expert). I have 4 defaults on my record that are all under £400 each. Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do to improve my credit rating and/or get rid of the defaults and will registering to vote help or hinder my plans to improve my rating? Thanks and all the best!

mildredalien

If the defaults are accurate (e.g. they are for debts you incurred and didn't pay) then you can't get rid of them. You can tackle the debt and get that recorded on your credit file (usually says something like 'satisfied') but the defaults will remain on your file for 6 years after they were registered.

I believe being on the electoral roll improves your credit rating, as does taking out and making payments (full if there is any interest, at LEAST minimum even if at 0%) on a credit card. It sounds like you are trying to avoid your debt? Perhaps it would be best to contact a free debt charity who can look at your situation and advise on the best way forward.

Small_Loan_Turns_Big_Debt

Hi there,

I personally must say DO NOT IGNORE YOUR DEBT!

The more you ignore it the worse it will get, in all honesty being registered on the electoral roll is the least of your worries. Firstly you need to tackle this debt problem and then after doing that then think about registering yourself!

You need to start by writing letters to all of your debtors, pointing out that you cannot afford to pay the full amounts and that you need to start a DMP (Debt Management Plan) attach a budget planner sheet filling in all your in-comings and out-goings and then send them off.

Also I would think about contacting people like:

CCCS
CAB
The Money Advice Service
etc etc there are loads out there!

If you need more info just ask, I do think you need to get this debt sorted even if it means paying 1 pound a week to your debtors at least you will then be seen to be sorting your finances out, that would put you in good stead with your credit rating anyway; not saying that it would go up, but it would be platform form for you to build on for the future and then registering yourself wouldn't be such a problem because you would of started t sort it

debtfreewannabe2010

Thanks to you both. I have ignored my debts but I am not doing that now, it's just that I don't know what the best course of action is and I am scared of debt collectors harrassing me with letters and home visits. I would like to pay towards my debts. If I start paying a minimal amount towards each debt, will it be written off if I haven't paid it all within 6 years of the default date? I am not sure how it works. Also, can anyone recommend any debt charities? I appreciate both replies. Thank you very much!

tonkinator

You say you want to pay it back, but you're asking if you can get it written off after 6 years of the default date, which would suggest that you are actually looking for ways out of paying it.

I agree with the above poster. Don't ignore your debt, it's how things get worse.

How much is the total that you owe?

Do you work?

Have you filled out an SOA (statement of affairs) to see if you can get advice from people on here about reducing your outgoings to see if that helps?

RichL74

I was not on the electoral roll and I still got the nasty letters that you mention so I dont think it makes much difference.

Heffi1

Debt will only become statute barred if you have not acknowledged it in writing or made a payment to it for a period of 6 years. Why not give CCCS a ring and see what they can do to help you out?

debtfreewannabe2010

tonkinator wrote: »

You say you want to pay it back, but you're asking if you can get it written off after 6 years of the default date, which would suggest that you are actually looking for ways out of paying it.

I agree with the above poster. Don't ignore your debt, it's how things get worse.

How much is the total that you owe?

Do you work?

Have you filled out an SOA (statement of affairs) to see if you can get advice from people on here about reducing your outgoings to see if that helps?

I really appreciate your reply and good advice but I feel a little upset about your accusation that I am trying to avoid my debt. Let me try to be clearer about my perspective on this: What I want to do is whatever is takes to clear my debts and improve my credit rating. I don't work, I am a mature student on a student loan only. I'd much, much prefer to pay my debts off but I know it will take me years and years and that it may be the case that I would actually have them removed from my credit history sooner by not paying them at all. However, as I have said, I would much rather be paying the debts off than ignoring them or hoping they go away. I really couldn't afford any more than a tiny monthly payment and when I have called collectors in the past they have been adamant that I have to pay a certain percentage of the debt each month and it is always way more than I can afford so I always end up defaulting on that agreement. Given the choice I would pay my debts off in very small bits but I have a lot of experience of debt collectors being unsatisfied with this and sending threatening letters etc. I care about paying back what I owe but I also care about one day maybe having a credit rating that means I can get a mortgage etc. I have 4 debts, one of £500 and 3 of approx. £200 each. I will fill out an SOA form. Thanks very much for all the responses. I do really appreciate them all.

barbarawright

Presumably you want to improve your credit rating so you can get credit in the future. Any potential creditors will see you aren't on the electoral roll which will go against you. It's also illegal not to register (though it's not something people have been prosecuted for up until now but you never know).