Help Please

MS1991

Hi All,

Wondering if I could have some advice please on my debt and what the next steps I should take.

Just under 5 years ago I defaulted on my Very, Littlewoods and Additions Direct (Credit all under Shop Direct Group).

Back then I was only on £600 a month approx when I got these catalogues (I was young) and went daft as they gave me each over £1k in credit.

I have had letters now and again and then they stopped for a while before starting again, but today I got a doorstep visit from sheriff court officers (I live in Scotland) with paperwork of one of the debts from the above.

They are starting simple procedures (Small Claims) for a debt of £1800 and I don't know what to do next.

Looking back on the debt now I feel it was irresponsible lending on behalf of Shop Direct Group for giving me 3 credit accounts all with over 1k each with a low monthly salary.

I do recognise it needs dealt with and that I should have dealt with it long before now but I now have 2 dependants and I could never afford to pay this quickly.

Thanks for any advice

[Deleted User]

They gave you the credit BUT you spent it all, so not their fault, your best option will be to make an arrangement to pay.

MS1991

Helpful - Thanks!

Number75

Not sure if your tone to the PP is sarcastic - it seems it. I wonder if you know what an arrangement to pay is, as you say you don't know what to do next? If you thought the PP was just saying "arrange to pay it" I'd understand the snippy response! An arrangement to pay is where you agree with the lender a monthly amount that is realistic, and usually at the same time ask them to stop adding interest.

It's not irresponsible lending though - you didn't have to spend it all, but also... say you lived at home for free on £600 a month, and took out £3K credit and paid back £300 a month. That would be paid off in a year. (I haven't done exact interest calculations!) I wouldn't advise it - but depending on circumstances it can be perfectly manageable. So not irresponsible.

Helvetica_Van_Buren

It was irresponsible borrowing.

Take the advice given in the other posts: contact Shop Direct and set up an arrangement to pay and take pride in becoming a functioning adult who takes responsibility for their actions.

fatbelly

We're not experts in Scottish law, as these very helpful posts testify. Now the court process has started you must follow it.

Here is the national Debtline (Scot) factsheet for dealing with a small claim

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/S/factsheets/Pages/sheriff-court-action-for-debt/court-claims.aspx

Give them a ring if any of this is not clear.

It looks like one creditor is going for court action before the debt goes statute barred. You may be luckier with the other two.