Hi ScarletPimpernel Thank you very much for your advice. I confirm I will write and tell them I no longer live in UK and I will make an offer for repayment that I can afford. Mail is forwarded and tennants do pay council tax. Are you positive that they cannot bring action against me? Incidentally I also have huge credit card debt with 5 creditors. Is it the same with credit card companies and anyone chasing utility/mobile phone debts not being able to pursue if not resident? Should I write and tell them all? My main concern SP is that my only asset is in the UK and we may return and obviously I would not want to give this up. Having been made redundant 12 months ago and not working since, times have been very stressful for my family and I. Once again, Thanks for your help. Benny17

Thanks Elsa x

Thanks Elsa I contacted Shoosmiths by phone (I know you said don't but I was naturally very worried) They stated that I needed to pay in the region of £217.00 per month for 5 years resulting in the debt being paid off. I told them I could not and I have until this wednesday 7th October to respond. I was planning on drafting an email outlining I could afford about £100 a month. The problem I also have is that I have a lot of Credit card debt which is kind of being dealt with - ie no court action on the horizon. I really want to avoid any court action if poss, or charging orders as I am concerned that they would force a sale as it is not now technically our family home - but it is our only asset and we may return to UK in the near future. Thank you for all your help so far.

Hi Elsa Can anyone help with this please?

Hi Elsa Thanks for your response. I successfully managed to get over £3,100 back in bank charges about 18 months ago. Since then there have been no more charges levied, only interest, so I suppose there is no point in doing an SAR? If that is the case what should my next move be? Thanks Benny x

Hi I wonder if someone can help. I had a well paid job and a £11,000 overdraft. I was made redundant a year ago and could not keep up with payments into this account. After claiming dole I was advised by CAB to start a new bank account which I did. CAB helped me arrange £1 payment to Natwest, but they continued to charge interest and the debt is now closer to £13,000. I decided to stop paying the £1 as it could have gone on forever. Shoosmiths have written to demand payment or contact to discuss the matter. I cannot pay this debt. Can anyone advise on my next course of action? I am considering telephoning them explaining that I cannot pay or should I write? I now live in Rep of Ireland as am so ****ed off with UK. I still own a property in UK which I rent out. Am I right in thinking that the worst they could do is put a charging order on my property. So much of this debt is interest at 29%!! Can anyone advise? Cheers Benny17

it

There is the possibility of moving house to the other property and living there. We would let the current house we live in and this rental income would cover the mortgage on it - so we do have a plan from a housing/mortgage perspective. I am not really very keen to sell anything at present. Current tenants pay council tax. I pay buildings yes. If my bank freeze interest, will they not allow usage of it? ie. must I open a new account? With regard my credit card debt, I have requested CCA's and S.A.R - and am awaiting response. If I stop payments I am assuming that creditors will begin court action in due course. If I am in front of a court I assume they will look at I & E and other propertys as well, but they cannot force me to sell anything can they? What realistic chances are there of getting debt written off, does this happen a great deal? If I carry on making payments to creditors, how long will they allow me to do this for?

Do you honestly think there is a chance that my bank would freeze interest? I had not considered this. GAS - £90 Water - £45 There is equity. £500 on top and I have not included previously. We have in the past attempted to sell, but with no success. We could try again, but the climate is not good at present as I am sure you are aware.

Interest only. All Credit Cards debts in my name. My income - my wife does not work. I have 5 in total - 22, 20, (18, 9 and 5 - all at home) Not quite. I have another property which I let out and this is also costing me each month. There are arrears of about 5K - but arrangement in place. Should I withdraw the figures above?

it

Shall I send to you outside the forum?

Rory Having done income and expenditure, I am genuinely short each month by at least £300-£500. I don't know whether to offer anything at all, not even £1 to each of the 5 companies and perhaps bring everything to a head. Any thoughts? Benny

Many thanks for your help Rory - will do as you have advised.

Rory My 12 months paying £10 a month to Halifax has expired and they have written to say call us to discuss. I called to discuss and they were not at all interested and are now saying that I must begin to pay normal amount and interest will again start to accrue. They stated that 12 months was all they could do. Any thoughts? Also, am I lkely to get the same treatment from other DCA/Creditors after a period of time paying reduced payments? Also, My MINT account has now passed to another DCA - Westcot who would not accept a reasonable amount -£50 a month. Their solicitors have now written threatening court action, adding legal expenses and interest. What is their likely process going to be? Are these just threats or will they begin to take court action. If they do, I understand that it will involve a scrutiny of finances which I do not mind, but it may also involve placing a charging order on my property. I would appreciate your assistance and advice. Thanks Benny