British Gas - Chaser for Final Bill 6 months after I left - no reminders!

krispykreme_yum

Hi
Can someone please help?

I left British Gas in Feb 2013 and received a final bill of £685 that said was payable by March 13 2013 and a subsequent bill that said my bill would be paid by my existing DD.

Today - 6 months later, I have received a chaser for the final bill payment. On calling British Gas they advised the DD was not collected and I am at fault as I should've spotted this and as a consumer I have a responsibility to do this.

I asked why it has taken 6 months to contact me and why I received no reminders/chasers and I was told my account was on hold and as a result no correspondence was issued until their 'on hold' team go through checking for things like this.

Can they really insist 6 months later, due to failings on their part to collect the DD or issue any correspondence until today that this is payable?

I clearly got very upset on the phone and they have offered to discuss payment options (instalments I presume?) but they have advised the ombudsman would not consider the case as the bill is correct and they are not at fault as I should've spotted it hadn't been paid.

Has anyone experienced anything similar?

Thanks

molerat

They can chase a debt for up to 6 years, surely you noticed £685 extra in your account.