Partial settlement - Preferential Payment - explain please!

shomk

I'm a bit confused as to the idea of the preferential payment. Of course I get the idea of it, but in practice, what does it mean and what are the consequences?

I am being gifted money to pay all my debts but am asking for a partial settlement on them all. I do not have a set amount, it will be what is needed to clear the debts. I do not intend on applying for IVA/bankruptcy etc.

This is just an example of a basic situation (mine is more complex as I do have some debts with an interim charging order on my house):
I have 4 creditors and 2 agree straight away to my offer of 30%, so I pay them.
Over the coming weeks the other 2 say no, and we reach an agreement of 70%.

Have I given preferential payments to the two that have the higher percentage? 
Do I have to wait for everyone to agree first before making payment? This would mean a lot of waiting and back and forth.
Should I have written to the two accepting 30% and say that because the others want 70% that I will pay them that also?
Does this not even apply because I am being gifted the money? The National Debtline says this 'If a friend or relative agrees and pays the settlement for you using their own money, this would not normally be classed as a preferential payment'.
What are the consequences? As I'm not applying for IVA/bankruptcy would there be no consequences?

Thanks 

fatbelly

Preferences only apply in insolvency.

If you are not doing DRO/IVA/bankruptcy you can do what you want.

shomk

fatbelly said:

Preferences only apply in insolvency.

If you are not doing DRO/IVA/bankruptcy you can do what you want.

Thanks again