Debt to Government Rates Agency

2 Posts

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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Replies
Stepchange
National Debtline
Citizens Advice.
For us you could start by providing a statement of affairs
https://www.lemonfool.co.uk/financecalculators/soa.php
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?
More than a third of IVA`s fail....fact.
Could A Debt Relief Order help you ?
Never pay a fee for a Debt Management Plan.
For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either : Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.
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.
I'd also suggest putting up a Statement of Affairs as fatbelly suggests.