Shell and debt

Robin9

TGB2022 said:

Robin9 said:

Here we have OP with a "small" debt  - very significant to him - and doing his best to seek a solution.  But on another post we have £8000 owing and not a suggestion of it being pursued.

You mean someone else owes £8000 (to shell?) and they are not being pursued for it? 

We don't know the other supplier - waiting for the poster to come back with details.

TGB2022

Gerry1 said:

TGB2022 said:

Gerry1 said:

I think you may be confusing two different things that happen to have 'Variable' in the name.

• A Variable Rate tariff is what most of us are on (Ofgem's capped Standard Variable Rate tariff) or will default to when a fixed rate tariff expires.

• A Variable Direct Debit is one where you are billed for your usage in the previous month, quarter or whatever.  As you note, the amount collected will be higher in winter.  But it's not the only form of DD that's on offer.
  

However, a Fixed Direct Debit won't necessarily be higher in winter, so that may suit you better.  IF your usage matches your estimated consumption then a Fixed Direct Debit would normally stay the same.  Unfortunately, the capped tariff rates are expected to rise again October and therefore Fixed DDs will also have to increase accordingly, but the amount paid will also increase with other form of payment.

The key point is that if you are not paying by some form of Direct Debit, you are likely to be paying more than is necessary: there aren't many suppliers who charge the same rates irrespective of how you pay.

I am now on a variable tariff, the DD would also vary each month.

That can only mean that you are on a Variable DD.  A Fixed DD would not vary each month, although it could be increased from time to time if your usage turns out to be more than expected or if the tariff rates are increased.

You still seem to think that a fixed tariff means a Fixed DD and that a variable tariff means a Variable DD. That's not the case, they are completely independent.

I don’t know how to say this any clearer. I am not on a DD as I do not have the budget to accommodate the higher and variable charges now I am on a variable rate tariff.  I pay by standing order. 

QrizB

TGB2022 said:

Gerry1 said:

That can only mean that you are on a Variable DD.  A Fixed DD would not vary each month, although it could be increased from time to time if your usage turns out to be more than expected or if the tariff rates are increased.

You still seem to think that a fixed tariff means a Fixed DD and that a variable tariff means a Variable DD. That's not the case, they are completely independent.

I don’t know how to say this any clearer. I am not on a DD as I do not have the budget to accommodate the higher and variable charges now I am on a variable rate tariff.  I pay by standing order. 

However, you don't seem to grasp:

• With many suppliers, paying by DD costs a bit less than paying on receipt of bill
  
• You can have a fixed DD on a variable tariff
• Paying by Standing Order is the worst of both worlds, potentially a higher tariff plus you need to ensure your account is in credit after every payment or you will be in breach of contract and face debt recovery action
  

rp1974

OP,do you have any family members who might be able to advise or assist you in dealing with this at all,or could you perhaps involve your local Social Work department?.
Completely without any intended judgment and given that you have a disability you most definitely should endeavour to find out what,if any benefits or tax credits your entitled to,you may neither wish nor want to but,from the sounds of things you need to,nothing ventured,nothing gained.
I'm unsure as to what else to suggest,but do think that you should be on the Priority Service Register at least,which provides additional support for those who are in need of it.

TGB2022

QrizB said

However, you don't seem to grasp:

• With most suppliers, paying by DD costs a bit less than paying on receipt of bill
  
• You can have a fixed DD on a variable tariff
• Paying by Standing Order is the worst of both worlds, a higher tariff plus you need to ensure your account is in credit after every payment or you will be in breach of contract and face debt recovery action
  

I grasp very well but you are making assumptions that you shouldn’t. I know very well it costs more but as I have repeatedly stated, having a variable DD would make me overdrawn and cause high fees with my bank. I chose a standing order instead. Shell do not offer (to me at least) the option of a fixed amount DD. That I am subject to recovery action for the paltry (to shell) sum of ~£60 is the subject of this post.

lots of pedants and frankly judgemental people appearing on this thread now, so I will thank those who were really helpful and offered useful advice, and say goodbye to you all..

TGB2022

Thank you very much for your post. You are kind and thoughtful. I have a meeting with my crisis team on Tuesday who are going to help me with this. Fingers crossed.

TGB2022

rp1974 said:

OP,do you have any family members who might be able to advise or assist you in dealing with this at all,or could you perhaps involve your local Social Work department?.
Completely without any intended judgment and given that you have a disability you most definitely should endeavour to find out what,if any benefits or tax credits your entitled to,you may neither wish nor want to but,from the sounds of things you need to,nothing ventured,nothing gained.
I'm unsure as to what else to suggest,but do think that you should be on the Priority Service Register at least,which provides additional support for those who are in need of it.

Sorry, my last post was for you:

Thank you very much for your post. You are kind and thoughtful. I have a meeting with my crisis team on Tuesday who are going to help me with this. Fingers crossed.

rp1974

Hope all goes well for you.
If you can please do post back as it might well prove helpful to others in a similar situation.
Again good luck on Tuesday.