Does anyone know the law on late payment charges for (non-Finance) consumer debt?

Melanie1972

Hi
We have an ongoing dispute with our vet.  Long story but they misdiagnosed a broken leg in our cat (leaving him with a broken leg for a week) and we haven't paid the account whilst the money is in dispute.

Their website vaguely states 'we reserve the right to...' and then basically states they can recharge any cost on involved in chasing the debt, fees/admin costs/interests etc.  Thing is, we asked for a DSAR on the account and the last transaction is for over £700 and the narrative is 'admin costs'.  We believe it's interest and charges related to the debt, yet they have failed to warn us of the exact charges or identify how they are worked out.  Obviously I can call them, but my question is:

They have never advised us in advance of the amount to be charged so what is the law around notifying customers of these types of charges before adding them to the account?

I can find loads of info on Google about business to business debt, or finance related charges (e.g. online shopping credit accounts etc), but nothing regarding your normal day to day goods and services.

Thanks in advance

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Melanie1972 said:

but nothing regarding your normal day to day goods and services.

I may be wrong but I don't think they are classed as debts and the company would have to take you to small claims court if you don't pay in which case they can only claim their actual loss, which can include interest but possibly not as much as they are claiming you should owe.