demon_x_slash vs. SLC

[demon_x_slash]

I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a saga.

Despite writing to and 'phoning the LEA and SLC last August informing them that I had extended my degree course by a year (grad. 08 hopefully!), and informing them of my change of address, a letter popped up from SLC at my parents' address last week. They say the 'repayment of my Income Contingent Loan is due to commence on 06 April 2008', that my details 'have not been recognised' by HMRC, and they want information about me and my situation.
Funny, that, about the HMRC - they're fully aware that I'm unemployed atm, as they wrote to me a few weeks ago asking if I'd like to make a voluntary contribution to my NI for this year as I was not currently working.
Ha, they also say that failure to provide a DNA sample, blood analysis and a future claim on my firstborn child 'may' result in a 'penalty of up to £150' as well as any costs incurred.
Oh no, it won't. I'm also not ringing the 0870 number. I'm going to write them a nice little letter, refraining from calling them idiots, including another copy of my student status letter, and reminding them very politely that failure to keep my records updated is a breach of Data Protection Act.
Any comments on the response this is likely to elict? I'd appreciate them - I've not browsed this forum before and so am not sure of their general demeanour when dealing with 'Customers'. I'm going to send Recorded, of course - any other suggestions? Ta.

[Hippy-chick]

Hi Demon

SLC are ruthless. They don't listen and they lose paperwork. It took me a lot of letters, but eventually they've backed down.

Don't ring them - write to them - quite right.

And if you want them to get any special deliveries - they're just down the road from me - I'm happy to oblige.

[demon_x_slash]

Thanks HC - I've written my letter and had some great advice from Joa as well (she's a star!). I'll send it tomorrow. If the fools don't accept my proof of student status I'm going to blow my top at them - and 'tis a very large top indeed

[demon_x_slash]

Sent by Recorded Delivery

Dear XXXXXX (or, To Whom It May Concern),

Further to your letter, dated 15/11/07, I would like to confirm again for your records that I am a continuing student, having extended my course to run during 04-08, instead of the previous three-year course that was to run during 04-07. I was frankly surprised to receive your letter, as I had advised your representatives at SLC – LEA XXXXXX of this fact last August. To belay any further confusion, I have enclosed another copy of my Student Status letter.

I also informed you, by letter and telephone, of my new address (see top of page), and expected my details to be corrected accordingly. Any further correspondence must be sent to the above address; anything sent to the previous address in XXXXXX from now on will not be received. Similarly, the telephone number you held for me is now invalid. I would like to remind your company of its responsibilities as a data controller under the Data Protection Act to keep information held up-to-date and accurate.

I am again surprised that you state that HMRC do not ‘recognise’ my details as they are aware that I am, due to University constraints, currently unemployed; indeed, they wrote to me a few weeks ago, inquiring as to whether I would like to make a voluntary contribution to my NI, in light of my non-employed status.

With regard to the above, I consider the letter I received to have been sent out in error, and expect an amended repayment letter around this time next year (November/December 2008 ); I will be more than happy to discuss my PAYE deductions at source at that point. I must further request that all proceedings regarding my account are directed to me in writing only, to avoid any further confusion.

Please confirm the receipt of this letter, and that the contents are duly noted and my file adjusted accordingly.
Sincerely,

d_x_s (aka your worst nightmare, so don't mess with me)

[Hippy-chick]

Looks good to me demon.

Go get 'em gal.

[GlasweJen]

They did that to me between HNC and degree demon, I just sent them my registration letter from uni and they never got back to me about it.

[demon_x_slash]

Sigh. I've had a reply to my letter, two months after I sent the original one, from a Hugh Wyllie (and isn't that a comedy name...).

They've graciously accepted that I no longer live where they thought I did. However, they won't take my stamped Student Status letter from the Uni as proof that my graduation date has changed. A fine example of this country's ridiculous bureaucracy: I have to contact the University, who need to contact my LEA, who then themselves need to contact SLC with a new Support Notification. Er, actually, they 'request' that I contact the University, to 'request' that they contact my LEA. That's two 'requests' in one sentence, Hugh; bad form, old chap.

Oh, and if I need anything else, ring them on an 0870 number... That's all right, dears, I think I'll stick to letters; it makes you all work harder. On with the to-ing and fro-ing - I'll update as usual.