CCCS Review

Bella2007

Hi there,
this is my first time posting here

I've had a plan with the CCCS for 3 years. I was only earning about £900 a month until recently as I was studying, so my budget is extremely tight and the repayments were small (£70 a month towards a total £8000 debt). Luckily I always topped up with ebay and mystery shopping, or I don't know how I would have survived.
I have just got a good job paying £1400 a month, after years of struggling. I was looking forward to relaxing a little, then the CCCS people told me I was due a review. I am really worried now that they will take all of the extra money from me.
I know that it is entirely my fault that I got into debt, but really, if I have to work this hard and live on a tiny budget, I prefer to just go bankrupt. I want to be finally able to treat my family to meals & outings, after years of borrowing from them, and i want to be able to go out properly with friends. There is no way I can survive any longer on an £850 budget in London. Do you think the CCCS will realise this or will they force me to hand over £550 a month to them?
Thanks for any advice!

spud30

If your living expenses have gone up, just tell CCCS that.

They dont ask for copies of payslips you know

Bella2007

Thanks for the advice. Very helpful!

Bella2007

They can ask for copies of the bank statement, though, can't they?

spud30

Bella2007 wrote: »

They can ask for copies of the bank statement, though, can't they?

I dont know to be honest.

I've just had my first review, and I wasnt asked to send anything in.

Newgirl_2

Yes, you will be required to declare your new salary and the review will also take into account any revised living costs eg increased mortgage/rent, utilities etc.

If you were truly struggling for essentias on your old budget and had to seek extra income just to live, there was something wrong with the agreed budget, as CCCS are not there to leave you short for the essentials. I don't know your SOA so I can't comment specifically whether you left yourself particularly tight on your old income but this review will be your chance to agree a realistic budget you can stick to. (and I must stress, that is essentials, not luxuries. Sadly, most people on DMPs and IVAs don't have many luxuries unless they save for them).

Ok, this is just my opinion but I think that your post is the wrong way to look at things...the CCCS are there to help you pay off your debts as quickly as possible while still having a life - they give you fair allowances for expenses. BUT... things like paying your family back and treats should wait until you are debt free, or perhaps if you have some extra money from ebay, gifts etc. That is not your first priority.

Just think how free you will be when you have paid all your debts off!!! :T your new debt free date will come racing down on your new salary - I would focus on that.

Good luck

Newgirl

Newgirl_2

Sorry, just thought of something else I meant to say...

My OH and I do struggle sometimes and miss the fun stuff (nights out, takeaways, little treats here and there) but we were paying for those on credit anyway not with money we had. I will be much happier when I am debt free and can out and spend £1000 in a day if I want to, or pay for my new extension to my house in cash, because I will have the money saved up!

We plan to try and put the same amount of money we pay CCCS away in a savings account for at least 6 months as a buffer - that means we will have £6000 saved in 6 months and that is what is keeping us going.

This forum is great for support and inspiration - I hope you can start to look at the positives of your situation and realise what you can now achieve in a much shorter time.

Best of luck

Newgirl

rayday2

To get extra play on my budget I put down as if I have lunch at work, (I don't work full time!) I go via public transport to get there, you know things like that which gives you the little bit more comfort in your budget.

After three years with them it would be a waste to go bankrupt now especially if companies have frozen interest.

Take a look at your budget and see if you can plump things up a bit oh we have to monthly perscriptions too that adds a bit more