Plumber Issues

Habib2342

Hi,

I posted some months ago about an issue I had with a plumber I used to do some work for me in my flat.

To cut a long story short, I cancelled his services when he was taken unreasonably long to do the job and found someone else.

For reasons best known to the universe, I mistakenly paid him all the money upfront including labour & materials. I had used him before on other jobs and found him trustworthy and reliable. However on this occasion, he chose to mess me around.

Instead due to personal circumstances ( or so he says ), he instead went on holiday . I then sent him a couple of letters requesting a refund. It did work to the extent he responded and said he ‘s going through personal issues and he’ll setup a payment plan making payments of £100 -£200 per month to clear the debt .

However he has only paid £100 to date and there is £700 still outstanding. I cannot get through to the money claims service ( https://hmcts-access.service.gov.uk/login?client_id=civil_citizen_ui&response_type=code&redirect_uri=https://www.moneyclaims.service.gov.uk/oauth2/callback&scope=profile%20openid%20roles%20manage-user%20create-user%20search-user ) at all as they keep deferring me via an automated message to their business performance figures on the gov.uk website ( https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmcts-civil-business-centres-performance-information ) . I am trying daily but still get the same message.

I Initially filed the claim with them back in November but it took them until last week to actually look at my claim, so 5 months to date. They said the figures were wrong so I amended the form and sent this back on the same. However to date, no response.

I’m at a loss as to what to do next. I’ve already spent money on fees and would like to come to a resolution on this as soon as possible.

I’m mentally prepared for the likely possibility I’m not going to get my money back but will only move on once I’ve exhausted all available legal avenues to me. As I can’t get through to the money claims line to speak to anyone, I’m stuck in limbo and this issue remains unresolved.

I’ve called the plumber, visited his home, left messages but predictably he’s not responded although he has read my messages on whats app but is choosing to ignore me.

Can anyone suggest what I can do other than keep trying to get through to the money claims line ?

Thanks.

MSE_ForumTeam5

We've combined the two threads

DE_612183

Have you actually created the MCOL and filed?

Habib2342

yes. They finally looked at my claim last week , asked me to make an amendment which idid and sent back to them. However I've heard nothing since and have been emailing and calling them repeatedly for the last week .

I've done all that I can. I went to his house but his housemate covered for him , clearly lying. Short of camping outside his house 24/7, what more can I do ?

DE_612183

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81929896#Comment_81929896

But what would you do if he actually answered the door?

Habib2342

ask for the remaining balance to be settled in full. He stood in my kitchen last summer about pulling £6k a month but he's not refunding me £700 ?

If he gives a further sob story or gets aggressive, i'll just walk away and pursue recovery through the courts, when they eventually get to my claim.

Even at £100-£200 per month since last sep, this debt would've been cleared by now.

Instead he's dragging this out as long as is possible. I've left a not so positive review on his google profile so at least people will think twice before employing him.