Paying my elctricity and gas bill

Rueben_2

I'm unfortunately unemployed and on benefits, which makes it difficult to pay my utility bills. I'm currently on a payment plan from my last supplier to settle my debt with them and I've just received my latest bill with my current supplier.

Now I can afford my 'share' of the bill, but I can't afford it all. My previous joint tenant (who has left due to lack of paying the bills - although I do know where he lives now) has never paid a drop of what he owes. I simply cannot pay for everything owed, yet the suppliers view this as a third-party dispute and will not recognise his responsibility.

Yet if he doesn't pay his share, even in installments (which is obviously the only he'll be able to pay it as I seriously doubt he could afford it all in one go) then I could end up in court.

He has been completely ignoring my attempts to communicate with him. Is there anything I could do to at least reason with him?

Thanks

Cardew

As far as the Utility company is concerned the name on the account is what matters.

Any dispute with your previous joint tenant is a civil matter and you can take him to the small claims court.

However if he denies the claim - says he paid you cash etc - it pretty much becomes your word against his.