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.
I think I posted this in the wrong forum initially. In early August 2006 I asked Sky to set up a new DD on my account and then left it at that. On Friday 22/09/06 I received a letter from them dated 12/09/06 advising that they were unable to take the DD and if I did not respond within 14 days they would disconnect. No surprise as they had not set it up.
At the time I did not check the date that the letter has been sent and was in no hurry to contact them, however yesterday in their infinite wisdom they disconnected Sky and we ended up watching the Freeview channels which seemed to offer more than trher basic Sky package we had.
This morning I phoned them to advise that we no longer wanted Sky and was giving them the customary one month's notice. I also told them that I would pay it up to date this Friday including up to the date of the disconnection which would amount to less than £50. They refused to accept this and stated that once I paid the outstanding amount only then could I request the disconnection. Surely they cannot do this as you as in effect they are creating additional debt.
We no longer want Sky as the person on the other end of the phone was rather rude and agressive in their manner when I asked where this was stated in the T & Cs. We have had Sky since 1995 so I am not too sure what is in the T & Cs but it does sound like a very unfair clause. I would really appreciate some input on this just to hassle them. In addition, as I am paying the arrears created by them, they want an additional £4 administration fee. Am I entitled to ask for a Breakdown of this £4.
Write that you are hereby giving them 30 days notice as of xxx date, and that your contract with them will end then. (you don't have the issue of them forgetting to disconnect you, so no worries there, hey!) and that you will expect a final bill to reflect this.
State that they failed to follow your instructions to set up a d/d, which is their mistake, not yours, and that you will not pay £4 or any other amount to pay for their mistakes, and that they can take you to court for that amount if they so wish, but that any action brought against you for their failure to deal with your instructions will be vigorously defended.
Apologies to people who I was in the process of helping, I may be gone some time.
In addition to what Bookworm says, Sky have a lamentable record in processing written communications (either letter or email) and often choose to give you misleading information, ignore elements of your complaint whilst creating ones of their own, and of course - they can ignore you. The tactic of ignoring your instructions until your account is in good order is a classic, and wrong. Make your termination notice count - send it by Recorded Delivery to their Livingston correspondence addresss giving the required 30 days, and ask for a final bill to be calculated on that basis.
About 3 - 4 months ago I wrote to them requesting my subscription to be stopped and for a final bill to be generated. At the same time I cancelled my DD. Sky then cut me off which was no problem as I had requested it but then I got a snotty letter stating that if I did not pay the outstanding amount inluding the £4 admin fee they would cut me off. Huh!
Apparently they had cut me off because they could not take the DD. Anyway phoned them up, paid the outstanding amount and like a fool I listened to their prattle and agreed to cary on with my subscription at which point I gave them the details for the DD and the rest is now history because they forgot to set it up and cut me off again.
Isn't it strange how so many firms do this, yet they cannot seem to have their computer system realise that once a customer-requested disconnection is noted, then the usual 'failed DD' rules aren;t particularly relevant. The time and the effort it can take, and the 'default' on your credit file because of it (aren't automatic systems wonderful) makes your blood boil. And do they care...?
Sky issue
of this £4.
Reply With Quote
