Pensioner - credit problems

NeObliviscaris

Over time it has become apparent that my mother has - somehow - accumulated quite an amount of store/credit card debt, on top off an overdraft of atleast 700 quid.

She is 78 and is at her wits end - is borrowing from one card to make the minimum payment on another - and so it goes on.... a downward spiral.

Obviously there is her own personal responsibility, but I also have to question the wisdom of the card companies that have allowed a 78 year old with a state pension, and a tiny work pension run up such large debts.

There is no realistic way they can be paid off and it is now effecting her health...... I dont know exactly what the total debt or how many cards are involved, but think there are probably 2-3 credit cards, and 2 store cards - total debt probably about 5000 pound.

:eek:

I am going to see her in a week or so and my idea is to keep her current account, and one card which will be paid of slightly better,... the other cards will be cut up and returned to the relevant institution, with a pointed letter about the wisdom of pensioner debt, and a payment plan that will fit in with my mothers financial abilities, rather than their fanciful minimum payments. (And if that payment plan means 5 pounds per month, then so be it).

I don't care whether the creditors will like this or not - merely whether it is legal, and she wont end up with the bailiffs at her door in a few months time.

Obviosuly it wont look good on her credit report - but she doesn't exactly need to worry about her credit report currently.....

does anyone - better informed - have any input, or an alternative plan?