Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
Last year we found ourselves struggling to pay our dual fuel bill to NPower. Our bills are ridiculously high (£760 for the last quarter), but they are correct, we have a big old draughty house.
When we started getting the stroppy letters we asked to make a payment plan, but had to pay off 50% before we could make an arrangement. The bill at this time was £650.
By the time we'd managed to pay off half, we'd built up another quarter, so had to pay another £200 before we could make an arrangement.
We finally managed to get halfway there in September, and arranged a plan with them, but missed three payments over Christmas & New Year (we had no income for 2 weeks as we're both self employed). As soon as the reminder letter arrived I managed to pay up to date, but 7 days LATER got a letter saying that the arrangement had been cancelled because we'd not kept to it.
Now we're getting the stroppy letters again, telling us to ring and make an arrangement!
Are they right to insist that we pay our current usage as well as the debt? I feel as though we're not getting on top with it, whereas if we could just pay off the debt, then deal with each bill as it comes, it would feel as though we were getting somewhere?
And how fast do they move re. 'entering the property'/court etc? Does anyone know?
We do want to pay, they just make it so difficult!
The time taken to obtain a warrant of entry varies between suppliers and collection agency.
Before a warrant can be applied for, you should receive a minimum of two personal visits to try and resolve the matter, you may even get three. If the matter has not been resolved, you could then receive a human rights letter giving notification of a court date and time for the application. This could be anywhere from a few weeks to at least a month away. If the warrant is granted it must be actioned within 28 days.
What i am trying to say is that there is no fixed length of time. It depends on the utility ccompany, the DCA, and especially the courts.
The time taken to obtain a warrant of entry varies between suppliers and collection agency.
Before a warrant can be applied for, you should receive a minimum of two personal visits to try and resolve the matter, you may even get three. If the matter has not been resolved, you could then receive a human rights letter giving notification of a court date and time for the application. This could be anywhere from a few weeks to at least a month away. If the warrant is granted it must be actioned within 28 days.
What i am trying to say is that there is no fixed length of time. It depends on the utility ccompany, the DCA, and especially the courts.
Hope this helps
More or less correct however npower do 2 visits, 28 days after you will get a human rights letter along with a court date. the roe has a 28 day valid period , however you will be contacted 2 weeks in , 7 days before service, 24 and 48 hours before and on the day. this will be done by telephone or letter hand delivered. Npower now will disconnect you not fit a pre payment as before, in some circumstances.If you have gas and you re not in you will be disconnected.
But do go along to the court prepared to put your situation to the magistrate. Almost certainly the application if defended will be withdrawn or scheduled for a full hearing at a later date. So you can gain some time.
Three years ago I lived in a large old house which cost considerably more to heat than you are paying. I had better things to spend my money on and the solution was simple - I moved house. Downsizing produced capital to spend and our fuel bill are 3000 GBP less. Three cruises a year now!
NPower troubles...
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Originally Posted by 14Steve14
