Statute Barred - United Utilities Default!

Nicki1968

I apologise in advance as i have already posted this on the Energy page but just need some advice as i found myself in this situation.

I had a huge shock last week when i checked my experian credit file, i have spent the last few years getting all my finances in order so that we can move house next year. Only to find this default!!!! :mad:

[FONT=&quot]Public Utility from United Utilities Water Ltd (I)[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Terms[/FONT][FONT=&quot]0 @ £ 0 (Periodically)[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Status[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Defaulted[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Current Balance[/FONT][FONT=&quot]£ 1,881[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Start Balance[/FONT][FONT=&quot]£ 0[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Credit Limit[/FONT][FONT=&quot]£ 0[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Default / Delinquent Balance[/FONT][FONT=&quot]£ 1,679[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Start Date[/FONT][FONT=&quot]17/09/2003[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Date Updated[/FONT][FONT=&quot]05/05/2015[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Date Last Delinquent[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Date Satisfied[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Default Date[/FONT][FONT=&quot]14/11/2014[/FONT]

As you can see i have copied the default info straight from Experian, the situation is i moved out of the property in 2005, i know i contacted them as i did with everyone else and requested a final bill.

I have spoken to them today to ask what they are playing at putting a default on my account 10 years after i left the property, their response was the account was still in my name!!:eek:

So basically they are telling me for the last 10 years who ever has lived there since have not informed them, and they state i have lived there all this time!!! Oh and the last payment that is showing on the account is November 2005.....

I have contacted my local council for a copy of my council tax bill dated December 2005 for proof of when i moved, i now have a copy of this.

Having looked on here for advice, it looks like even though i haven't lived there all this time it would have been statute barred in 2011 anyway?

I can't imagine getting this default removed is going to plain sailing or is it..........anyone had experience of this, what is the best way forward.

Any help or advice please, many thanks in advance!

National_Debtline

Hi Nicki


If you're not moving until next year then it's good that you've noticed this now, as it gives you time to put things right.


I would start by forwarding a copy of that Dec 2005 council tax bill to United Utilities and asking that they amend their records accordingly. It is not for you to tell them who moved in after you, just when you moved out. If they drag their heels in acknowledging this, I would suggest that you contact the Information Commissioner www.ico.org.uk to report your concerns. Complaints about water companies can also be escalated to the Consumer Council for Water http://www.ccwater.org.uk/ but this particular issue seems to have more to do with data processing, and less with the actual provision of a water supply.


The next step will be to see whether any of this "debt" relates to the period preceding your departure from that address. I would suggest you do the above first and then seek further advice based on the water company's response, whether on here or from one of the free advice charities.


Dennis
@natdebtline

Nicki1968

National_Debtline wrote: »

Hi Nicki


If you're not moving until next year then it's good that you've noticed this now, as it gives you time to put things right.


I would start by forwarding a copy of that Dec 2005 council tax bill to United Utilities and asking that they amend their records accordingly. It is not for you to tell them who moved in after you, just when you moved out. If they drag their heels in acknowledging this, I would suggest that you contact the Information Commissioner www.ico.org.uk to report your concerns. Complaints about water companies can also be escalated to the Consumer Council for Water http://www.ccwater.org.uk/ but this particular issue seems to have more to do with data processing, and less with the actual provision of a water supply.


The next step will be to see whether any of this "debt" relates to the period preceding your departure from that address. I would suggest you do the above first and then seek further advice based on the water company's response, whether on here or from one of the free advice charities.


Dennis
@natdebtline

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

I have already requested a copy statement of my account for the billing period April - December 2005, but i am pretty certain i did not owe anything when i left the property.

I will forward a copy of the council tax bill and request they remove the default from the account immediately, based on the fact that over 9 years have lapsed since i left the property.