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Debt to Government Rates Agency
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GrantR
Posts: 2 Newbie

Hi everyone.
A few years ago I had a breakdown and as a result buried my head with some bills we had coming into the house. They were just letters so I just tucked them away. Fast forward 4/5 years and I e created a debt of 20k and reality of it is putting huge strain on my marriage.
Realising part of the debt I put some of it onto a 0% credit card, but that period has now ended so my monthly payment isn't making the dint it used to.
I know going forward we'd be ok financially iF it wasn't for this huge burden over us. My wife and I both work full time, I'm self employed. I've spoke to the Rates Agency and they say it has to be paid, even the older bills from 5-6 years ago. I'm really at a loss as to what I can do...any advice ?
A few years ago I had a breakdown and as a result buried my head with some bills we had coming into the house. They were just letters so I just tucked them away. Fast forward 4/5 years and I e created a debt of 20k and reality of it is putting huge strain on my marriage.
Realising part of the debt I put some of it onto a 0% credit card, but that period has now ended so my monthly payment isn't making the dint it used to.
I know going forward we'd be ok financially iF it wasn't for this huge burden over us. My wife and I both work full time, I'm self employed. I've spoke to the Rates Agency and they say it has to be paid, even the older bills from 5-6 years ago. I'm really at a loss as to what I can do...any advice ?
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Comments
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OP Who are the 'Rates Agency' ?If you go down to the woods today you better not go alone.1
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You need to start speaking to agencies that can help:
Stepchange
National Debtline
Citizens Advice.
For us you could start by providing a statement of affairs
https://www.lemonfool.co.uk/financecalculators/soa.php
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I think the OP is in Northern Ireland, and assume the bills are for unpaid rates, or council tax as we know it.
I would echo what the big man says above, there are debt solutions available to you, I`m amazed a debt of 20k has been allowed to accrue without any enforcement action?I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter1 -
Thanks for your comments. The Rates Agency in NI would be your council tax scenario. It covers street lighting, council spending, the arts etc.
The main reason that the amount became so high was really because all they seem to do is send out letters and reminders. They have taken the debt to court but again this is just a letter, so it's easy to put it in the drawer or the bin when you're in that frame of mind. But now when I put it together it's just this huge sum that I really don't see how I can pay especially with the current cost of living crisis.0 -
CAB suggest Get advice in Northern Ireland - Citizens Advice for advice.
I'd also suggest putting up a Statement of Affairs as fatbelly suggests.If you've have not made a mistake, you've made nothing0
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