Can British Gas request a payment from 18 months ago?

Yasmin26

We changed supplier from British Gas in Feb 2013. We have just - 18 months later - received a letter stating that due to 'a glitch in the system' they did not take a final direct debit as the settlement balance and neither did they send any reminders, but they are requesting the balance of £180. Can they legally do this so long after the contract was ended?

Cardew

There is no question that any firm can collect money owed for a period of 6 years, as indeed you can claim a refund.


However you are not alone. Read:


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5060431

Busymum68

I have just come home to a similar letter to Yasmin 26 above saying that when british gas sent my final bill on 8th April 2013 they didnt take the last direct debit to clear the balance on my account. A glitch in the system meant i have never been sent a reminder to pay so now there is a balance of £169.28 to pay some 17 months later! Can they now demand this money? Thanks for any advise.

Cardew

Busymum68 wrote: »

so now there is a balance of £169.28 to pay some 17 months later! Can they now demand this money? Thanks for any advise.

Welcome to the forum.


It seems that you and Yasmin26 don't dispute you were sent a final bill? or that the £169.28 was left unpaid?


If for any reason that bill was not paid in full, even if it is the company's fault, then they legally have up to 6 years to demand payment.


You might get a reduction or time to pay if you contact them, or try and dispute their claim with the Ombudsman to see what they say.


However do something about their demand or they will pass the debt to a Debt Collection Agency(DCA) and that can affect your credit record.