British Gas/Lowell

McMooshie

I rented from a friend at the time, he then moved back into the property when I moved out.

Willing2Learn

You need to use the applicable ICO guidance. The link below is for the ICO guidance as it says that, as a general rule, once an account is 3-6 months in arrears then a default should be recorded. It is only guidance though. But British Gas must have regard to it.
http://www.scoronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/high_level_prinicples_document_final.pdf

As Gary says, you need to raise an official written complaint. Only if they do not adhere to the guidance, will you have grounds to escalate to the ICO

[Deleted User]

Yes you should have told them you were moving out.

You need to contact the complaints team by email and specifically state you case that it’s a credit file issue and for it to be passed to the credit team.

customercomplaints@britishgas.co.uk

McMooshie

Thanks so much for your help.

That email address is the one I have been dealing with, I will go back to them tonight and ask them to escalate to the Credit Team and quote the guidance you have you stated above.

I will update the thread when I get a response.

McMooshie

I have had a response from British Gas this morning after I asked for my complaint to be escalated:

“Thanks for getting back in touch. Just to re iterate, our Data Disputes has confirmed that we did report to credit reference agencies between June – October 2014, around the unpaid balance so within 6 months of the balance being unpaid. I understand that your unhappy that the reporting will now sit on your credit file for a number of years but unfortunately, we will not be able to amend our reporting as it is accurate and believe this clarifies our position on the matter.”

I’m unsure where to go from here, what would you recommend?

[Deleted User]

Go back to them and ask them to add a default after the 6th missed payment.

If they still refuse then you can go to the ICO, and tell them you will be doing so as well

McMooshie

Thank you, I will do that.

What are the chances of the ICO upholding my complaint?

McMooshie

Should I offer to pay the full amount if they add the default?

[Deleted User]

It depends case by case with the ICO - it depends how strong your evidence and case is.

Regardless of adding the default the monies should be paid anyways if it's due

McMooshie

OK, thank you. I have nothing to lose I suppose.

I know I am liable for the debt so I will pay.