Sky refusing to cancel elderly parent's contract after long term hospitalisation

WhySeaEm

Good luck, it seems very unfair otherwise especially as you're a loyal customer.

neilmcl

marcusdh said:

Many thanks to everyone that offered advice and took the trouble to research on my behalf. The contract was in my name as my father is living on pension credit and I helped him out by paying this bill. However, all correspondence etc was at his address. Moving forward, I will write to Sky Customer Services and explain the situation. Personally, I have had a Sky contract since 1990 and so, I am hoping that they will show a bit of customer loyalty, goodwill and compassion. Otherwise, I'll be stuck with unused services and bills until next July. Thanks again for your all help.

So to clarify, you have two Sky accounts, one for your own address and one for you dad's? 

If the subscription at you Dad's is over 6 years then can you explain why it's still in contract, did you recently get a new deal from Sky?

marcusdh

Hi Neilmcl, I have held my own Sky contract for many years. Then, around 2014 I treated my Dad to a Sky TV package and have paid the bill ever since. However, earlier this year, as a cost-cutting exercise, his package was downgraded and, as a consequence, this became a new contract. It is all now a bit unfortunate with him unlikely to leave hospital.

macman

It doesn't matter what the address is, it's in your name, so legally your contract. Why didn't you just leave it in his name but use your bank details for the DD and save all this hassle?

marcusdh

Hi Macman, what was once a gift became a necessity. In hindsight, I do wish that I had put it in his name. Harsh lesson learned.

macman

The problem is that all too many unscrupulous people would use this a a 'get out of contract free' card: 'yes, the contract is in my name, but it's only watched by my dad, who is in long-term care'. Look at it from Sky's point of view, there is no way they can practically verify such claims, even the genuine ones like yours.

prowla

I don't know if using their moving house option will do any good?

marcusdh

Hi macman, you have made an excellent point. I can now see that argument from their point of view. I will write and hope that they understand I have a genuine reason.

marcusdh

Hi prowla, I have considered that and still need to explore it further: one possible solution, taking your advice, is to cancel my own subscription and move my dad's service to my house. This will need a bit of thinking.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Within two months of starting a new contract, I telephoned Sky and had a polite conversation with them.  I explained that I had been offered a place in sheltered accomodation and that I would be unable to have a Sky dish at the property.  They immediately cancelled the contract there and then.

I think it depends on how you talk to them.  If you have a problem, ask to speak to a supervisor.