If we add me to British Gas account..

mias_mummy

Hi all,

Our British Gas accounts for both gas and electricity are solely in my husbands name -have been for ages. It's never caused any issues but I've just started my own business and am working from home, and as I'll be claiming a small percentage of energy bills as an expense, it makes sense to have my name on the bills.

About six months ago we were struggling financially and so made a couple of late payments to British Gas. These are shown on my husband's credit report. My question is, if I am added to the British gas account - will I 'inherit' these late payments on my own credit report? Or will it only show activity from the time my name was added? I've been working really hard over the last couple of years to improve my credit rating and I'd be gutted if it took a knock.

Look forward to hearing from anyone who knows the answer to this!

Tiny_Tina

mias_mummy wrote: »

Hi all,

Our British Gas accounts for both gas and electricity are solely in my husbands name -have been for ages. It's never caused any issues but I've just started my own business and am working from home, and as I'll be claiming a small percentage of energy bills as an expense, it makes sense to have my name on the bills.

Not sure this is correct.

I suggest you seek the advice of an accountant

mias_mummy wrote: »

About six months ago we were struggling financially and so made a couple of late payments to British Gas. These are shown on my husband's credit report. My question is, if I am added to the British gas account - will I 'inherit' these late payments on my own credit report? Or will it only show activity from the time my name was added? I've been working really hard over the last couple of years to improve my credit rating and I'd be gutted if it took a knock.

Look forward to hearing from anyone who knows the answer to this!

As you are married, chances are that you probably already are financially associated with your husband in some way (such as joint mortgage or tenancy, or any other credit agreement or bank account in joint names)

mias_mummy

Hi thanks for your reply!

It was actually on the advice of my accountant but will double check with him.

We're not financially linked on our credit references at all at the moment - no mortgage or joint bank account. I guess that's why Im asking what the exact effect will be - currently we aren't linked at all so Im keen to know for sure what will happen when we add me to our energy bills! Thanks

ilikewatch

Why not put the accounts in your sole name, avoiding any risks associated with linked credit histories?

Manichouse

I assume your accountant is looking at apportionment rather than the fixed weekly allowance HMRC allow of £4 a week?