Housing benefit suspended and they are refusing to deal with it

macman

OP, by failing to register your name with the utility supplier, you do not have a named and registered account, and as such you will by default be on Standard Variable Tariff for gas and electricity-which is the most expensive. It takes perhaps 10 mins to register for an account-and not all do credit checks. If you had been paying the bills on time for 4 years in your name, then you would have established good credit in that time.
Why all the paranoia? Surely you have other named accounts at the address: phone/mobile/water/bank account/council tax?
As for the original issue, I fail to see why sight of your tenancy agreement would not have been sufficient evidence of residence?

Xbigman

Bills to the occupier will mean being on a deemed contract, which will be the energy suppliers most expensive. It also doesn't mean the occupier is not liable for the bills, it only means finding them may be harder after they move.
This only makes sense if the bill payer is trying to avoid a prepayment meter being installed or are avoiding utility debts. Long term they are probably better off facing these issues.




Darren

paddedjohn

TELLIT01 wrote: »

Correct in that they come here for advice, and in this instance the advice was to speak to CAB. That same advice has been given to many people on many occasions, was all that advice wrong?

From memory they used to have their own section on here which quite often gave conflicting advice so yes maybe it was wrong to direct them in that direction.

parkrunner

caroline231 wrote: »

I'm not subletting, The bills are addressed to 'The Occupier' and as the occupier, I don't feel the need to give my details out.

The tenancy is in my name and has been for the last 4 years.

They say that the letter was addressed correctly.

After spending the day complaining they have reinstated my claim with no further action and are investigating the actions of a couple of staff members who have 'fallen below an acceptable level of service' I am working with the head of the department and the Chief Exec's Office to resolve this.

Complaining can be extremely effective if done correctly!

Garbage...

caroline231

I'm saddened but not shocked that so many people disbelieve this to be true. I am not subletting, I live in that house with my children. I do not want my name to appear on documentation due partly to my ex-husband, but mostly because I like to be private. I am in contact with the OFFICE of the Cheif exec, not the person themselves. I have been asked to send my notes to them so they can investigate, I am not expecting to be invited into internal meetings etc.

My complaint has been seen by the team leaders, managers and operational managers within the HB department and I am now in contact with them about the service I have received.

I know I could get a better deal by updating the details with utility companies etc, but value my privacy and the inability of my ex to trace me (it happened before) more than the small amount extra I pay. I have a pay as you go phone for the same reason.

I have spent the last 5 years getting into a position where I am not afraid of a knock at the door. I have moved 300 miles across the country leaving family and friends behind.

My stressed reaction to this situation was because, no matter how long it has been, I am terrified that my ex will find us and ruin our lives again. He has tried to make us homeless before (among other things) and I will always be looking over my shoulder.

My piece of mind is worth more than saving a few quid on the gas bill!

Amandag76

I have just been sent a letter from South Lanarkshire council saying they’ve suspended my housing benefit application with no reasons given, and saying I have no right to appeal? I don’t understand why atall and it scares me that I have no right to appeal. I’m going into hospital for a big operation at the end of this month, I’m housebound and will be for quite some time, I can’t move house. I’m so stressed out 😥

pmlindyloo

Amandag76 wrote: »

I have just been sent a letter from South Lanarkshire council saying they’ve suspended my housing benefit application with no reasons given, and saying I have no right to appeal? I don’t understand why atall and it scares me that I have no right to appeal. I’m going into hospital for a big operation at the end of this month, I’m housebound and will be for quite some time, I can’t move house. I’m so stressed out 😥

You need to ring them and find out why.

We would only be guessing.

Come back if you need further help when you have found out why they have suspended it.