Hello all and thanks in advance for taking the time to read this. I am a business seller on ebay and instructed UPS (via P2G) to deliver a £240 pair of speakers to one of my customers based in the UK. It was fully insured and tracked but did not require a signature. On the scheduled delivery day I received a message from the buyer saying they had returned from work to find a card through the door which said that the parcel had been left on their doorstep but no parcel was there. The on-line tracking confirmed delivery to their doorstep. I did not specify that their doorstep would be a safe place so i'm rather surprised they just left it here, especially as the area crime rate is 2 the national average for theft! I advised my customer to look all around the house, in bins and to check with neighbours but to no avail, it just wasn't there. I have made a claim with them but it has been rejected, they just say it was delivered to a "safe place" as per their T&C's and are washing their hands of it although they have offered to pay the cost of carriage as a "gesture of goodwill" I am just wondering if there are grounds for me to bring a case in the small claims. I don't see how a doorstep can be described as a safe place especially when I haven't specified a safe place. I have looked on Google maps at the delivery address and it's a small terraced house with a small front yard which fronts onto a busy road...not exactly hidden from view or protected from the elements for that matter. Any help or advise gratefully received Regards Chris

Hi all, Please forgive me if this post is in the wrong place: Having used a number of doorstep loan companies over the past 10 - 15 years mainly KDS Finance & Provident Personal Credit to name a few I wondered if they had been fair with both myself & my partner. The first question I have is if I took out a new loan that re-payed an existing loan should I/we have received any interest back due to paying the first loan off early? My 2nd question is at the time I thought that they were helping us out by offering the loans to us as they never checked our finances correctly for affordability they just picked figures out of the air to ensure that the loan would be approved. We inevitably ended up with more debt than we could afford and had numerous occasions of ignoring the collector when they knocked or arguing with them as they were very angry that we could not pay the full amounts on the loan agreements and we would end up arguing with them when they came to collect. I remember one company though there name evades me who did start to send a repayment of interest to us when we renewed a loan early though the amounts were very small in comparison to the amounts that were being payed off. I am now thankfully free from all of these lenders but I would love to be able to submit a claim for unfair treatment along with a claim for interest refunds etc. Does / has anyone had any experiences of this nature and have there been any successful claims made against the companies involved? Thanks Nic

Hi. Right Kind of upsets, but here we go. I WAS self employed. Had an accountant, etc. I gave this up in March 2015. I told my accountant, etc., and they said they'd deal with it. I then took up full time employment with a company. HMRC sent me a letter to my name saying I owed them for tax and a late filing of returns. The bill was £1654.72. I agreed, and for the last four years or so, I'm been paying it through my PAYE. In about February this year, they said it was paid off, and my codes, etc., returned to normal. Today, an enforcement officer arrived, demanding £9,198.66, plus saying he was going to lump on £1735 more on if I didn't pay. An additional factor is that from March 2013-April 2018 I was in an IVA, which I paid every payment to, and was discharged in April of this year. Don't know if it's relevant or not... Now, as far as I can tell, the following has happened... My accountant didn't do the right paperwork in 2015. The HMRC have been sending "demands" or whatever you call it, to the wrong name and address. They admit I've paid (On average) £1700 per year to this debt for the last four years They don't care, they want money now... They don't care about the IVA, although they were invited to the meeting at the beginning. There is a clear discrepancy between my name and the one they're using for the enforcement. Any advice?

Hi I'm posting this on behalf of a friend who is at the end of her tether regarding the treatment she is receiving from the local Council. Long story short, she has been placed in temporary accomodation along with her 5 kids aged 2-14, having had to leave the emergency accomodation she was put in after her senile old father threw her and the kids out on the street one night. The house has the bog standard set up of front door, back door from lounge to the garden and a side door. She has only been given keys to the front door meaning she has very difficult access to the garden, but what worries her most is if there was a fire or they had to get out the property quickly the only way out is the front door which wouldn't be much use if that was blocked by a fire. She spoke to a woman at the council this morning who in a nutshell said "oh well we try not to give keys out to the back doors you'll just have to manage and if you had to escape you'd just have to try and get out the window instead"!!!! Surely this can't be right? If she's paying rent to stay in a property surely she has the right to access and exit it through all it doors? Any advice appreciated as they talk to her as though she's some kind of ****** chavvy single Mum which she's far from being. Thanks

Hello all. So todayI received a “CONTROL OF GOODS” letter at my house from Newlyn. It was for a PCN which I had received, whilst the car was registered in my mum’s name. Since this January, the car has been registered in my name. Also, the house is in my name, but the car has always been registered at my home address. Cut a long story short, my folks split their time between our house in Spain and the UK. When in the UK, they are based at my address. They wanted £248 paid by the 11/07, but the letter wasn’t received by them until the 22/07, as my folks were away until then. Upon seeing the letter, I paid £98 on the 24/07 and paid the remaining £75 yesterday. My plan was to have it paid by the end of the month. In total, I paid £173 for the PCN. This did not include the £75 compliance charge which I wasn’t going to pay. Although, I was going to send Newlyn a letter asking them to justify their compliance fee. The ticket was from Ealing council and wasn’t the first one I’ve had from them, so I don’t have a problem paying the actual ticket. That was £175. My concern with that is that Ealing council never sent through any notifications that I had forgotten to pay the original PCN. If they had done, it would have been with any post addressed to my mum. And having had tickets in her name before due to my parking, I’d have heard about it  When my folks came back, the first they’d heard about it was when a letter from Newlyn arrived. This is something I need to deal with after as my main concern is Newlyn returning to my house. I believe I need to get my mum to send off a TE7 form to the Traffic Enforcement Centre as at the time, the car was in her name. Am I correct in this ? I’m not contesting the PCN. I received the ticket and never paid for it.However, it seemed to go straight to the enforcement stage. This morning, I received an unsealed, hand delivered letter through my letterbox. It was dated the 17/07/18, which already got alarm bells ringing for me. It was the “control of goods letter” saying to either pay £826 straight away, or have goods removed. I haven’t contacted them yet, as I wanted to get some advice on the matter first. Can my car be clamped, or removed if it’s now in my name and on my drive? I’m self-employed too and use the car for work purposes. Also, can they enter my house forcefully? By that, I mean can they force locks open to get in and remove goods? And if they do turn up, what should I be saying and asking? My plan was to contact the person who left me the letter this morning, as they left a contact number.Also, to contact Newlyn. As far as I’m concerned, the £173 for the PCN has been paid. Anything else is just Newlyn trying to get money from me. What really concerns me is the two-week discrepancy from the date on the letter, to when they posted it through my letterbox. Like I said, I had no problem paying the PCN but £656 in “fees” is just robbery. I’ve been looking over various parts of the forum today to see if others have had similar situations. Seems I’m not alone  I hope that all made sense.

Evening Peeps, newbie here. I used to be a member a long time ago and found the info on here very helpful. So thankyou ! I have now got a clean bill of health on my credit score, but still owe debts to various DCA's. My question is - can a DCA still try and issue a CCJ, even after say 8 years of the original default account ( notice of default has been isssued ) - my accounts have ALL dropped of the various CRA's as they all defaulted many years ago ( over six years ago ) - I am still paying them via a DMP. To summarise all debts are over 8 years old now. And I am still paying them. They just dont appear on my Credit Reference Agencies. Are these debts still enforceable in a court of law ? Lets assume than none of the DCA's have the original CCA's ? Thanks for any info, will be much appreciated, but cannot find this information, having trawled the forums. Big love and respect ! x

Hi guys, As always your advice is much appreciated. Lowell issued me a backdoor CCJ on 11.11.15 to my old address. However they were writing to me at my current address at that time regarding another debt. In fact they received our new address details on 17.09.15 and wrote to us on that date. Worth trying for a set aside?

Hi Brief history - blind company insisted on fitting blinds I had told them I could no longer afford and that we would arrange payment in due course. I struggled at the rate they wanted £50 a week (total debt £950). I couldn't keep up, they started small claims but didn't continue with it - would have been easier if they did as I could have given a lower amount. The business owner then called round to my house for the money. it was the night before I had a c - section (which I was having earlier due to a heart condition) . They continue to email me whilst I was in hospital (I was in for 2 weeks as I was very unwell). He then called round about 8 weeks later. They wanted £175 a month and no less. I managed 2 payments but struggling with the final two. They have now emailed to say they will be coming round again next week. Can they do this? They don't tell me when they are coming Should I just make affordable payments? Though they will call round anyway. The woman is awful and she sends her husband round. owe them the money and want to pay it just at an affordable level. Thank you

Need a help. The bailiff visit is for unpaid PCN. The last letter from Magistrate's court is for Remainder of unpaid fine dated 25th feb 2016. Other letter was Notice of fine. This morning a lady came by door from Marston and handed over the letter. She left and we tried to work out the reason for visit. We went to online and paid the original fine of £150. The lady returned back after an hour and we told about the payment. But she said it's too late as we still have to pay the fine which totals to £460. We've no problem of paying £75 for compliance stage. But the agent said it's been to enforcement stage and the letter that was handed in morning was handed on 18th April. The letter was dated 18th. We tried to dispute this and even the lady who came in the morning was different person to who turned up. Called police and after explaining everything, we let the agent into property. I enquired about warranty with officer and he confirmed it's a valid warrant. As the lady didn't have any details of previous correspondence, I called Marston customer service. We were told that the 3 letters were sent before today by royal mail which obviously failed to get delivered. Issues I've is: The letter dated 18th was handed to us today morning. But the agent kept on insisting it was handed on 18th. The previous correspondence from Marston group were never received and we were unware of their involvement until this morning. I've no problem with first stage ie compliance fee of £75 or even the later stages fee but the thing is we never recevied any of those warning letters. Things the agent took x bike key. Bike is parked somewhere god knows where but I'm had enough of the boy. So, to summerise, where do we stand? Should we pay the bailiff's fee and done it or there are procedures we could follow. ATM my temperature is at high hearing too many lies from these so called bailiffs. Thanks in advance.

I've had 2 CCJ's from Lowell appear on my credit file that went to my old address, this meant that I was unable to defend them. During that period Lowell were constantly writing to me at my current address regarding 2 other debts. This meant that they must have known where I live now and could have easily sent the Claimforms there. Is there any precedent for getting these set aside?

Just found out, my mum has been paying money every week to Halifax for years! She just told she she has been paying £10 a week for a Halifax credit card, and £10 a week for a Halifax overdraft! She told me, she has been paying £20 a week since my Father died 8 years ago. She said that, at first she ignored them but they kept adding charges to both the credit card and bank account and she was worried about being taken to court! I just told her to stop it but, she said "You have to pay the banks" and is worried that if she does not pay them, they will take her to court and lose the house (My mum own her house outright, no mortgage) I only found out as, I answered a call from 01224 908402 this morning and a company called idem servicing wanted to talk to my mum. I was in the room while she spoke and the woman was asking why there had not been a payment this month. I could not believe it Should my mum just stop paying them? Thanks

I recently purchased a rather expensive new front door (approx £3,000) which I took delivery of last week on Friday. I signed for delivery which consisted of a heavily packaged door, frame and glazing. On Monday my fitter installed the door and in doing so he realised there was some damage to the frame - unfortunately he either hadn't noticed it or didn't let me know until the door was already fitted. I have contacted the suppliers (providing photos of the damage) and asked them to either arrange a repair or send a replacement as per consumer rights act, they have responded saying that as I signed for the goods "in good condition" they are no longer responsible. My understanding is that a "reasonable time" is allowed for such heavily packaged goods? They have also insinuated that the damage has been caused by my fitter, which from looking at the location of the mark/damage along with the unique pattern is not consistent - I've discussed it with him and have total confidence it was not caused by him. All in all it's a messy situation and I would appreciate any advice on where I stand as a customer and what to do next. I have to say I feel entirely let down by this company who I mistakenly thought were a professional outfit!! Thanks

i purchased a Shower screen with pivot door in 2010 for £90 off a ebay shop. Today , it worked loose from the frame me and a couple of friends tried to reinsert it back into the frame - upon which the glass shattered cutting both my friend's hands:mad2: The specifications say it is 6mm safety clear glass ,BS EN 12150 & CE certified. Checking on the ebay shop the company just states 25 year guarantee in general - and that's it .And it states it for all its products even the smallest and cheapest. There is only basic vague refund info and nothing fora potentially faulty item. i admit it is 7 yrs since purchase , but, if i can avoiding paying £90 for another , do i have any claim for a refund ?

Please help, (I suggest a comfy chair and a cuppa, this is a big mess) Last year we had three new windows installed in our bungalow. In addition to this we also signed a contract (27th June 16) for a new composite front door to be fitted in our recessed porch which required raising of the internal step, removal of the old door and frame and replacing this with a door and top light on the front of the porch, not the recess. The fitter had to leave and collect another piece of glass for one window as it was incorrect (a small triangular window) and this delayed the job which I had been assured wouldn't take long. When completed the fitter said one window was too small so he would have to use additional trim. It was one fitter, on his own, fitting three windows. I was literally hovering around him as he was finishing off as I had to go to work and he had overrun. On my return from work I properly looked at the windows. Inside they looked fine but outside was shocking. He had hacked off all the render on the return edge and stuck large plastic lengths of trim in it's place. The trim protruded and there were massive chunks of sealant visible which was uneven and unsightly. As the trim was protruding you could see the yellow backing. It looked like my 4 year old had finished it off. I called the company and asked them to come and make it look better, I was told they never re render and always replace render with plastic trim. I advised them I had not been informed of this and would not have gone ahead with the new windows if this was the case. They asked for payment and I refused until they sent someone to look at it. They sent some fitters round immediately to have a look. In the meantime I looked at their website to see some lovely examples of new windows with the render still intact. The guys that arrived looked at the trim and agreed it was a real mess, that the trim was far too wide and was protruding. I asked them why the company removes the render and they informed me that they didn't as a matter of course and that customers should be consulted. They advised that sometimes render has to be removed and they advise that they will replace it as best they can and that the customer would then be responsible for painting it. I asked them to remove the plastic trim that was protruding and to re render it all which they did. This looked much better at this point then the lumpy sealant and yellowy trim. They told me the office was on the phone requesting payment and handed me a mobile phone so I could make payment over the phone. I said it looked better and paid in full. On comparing my new render with my neighbours I noticed that instead of it having a square edge it was rounded of, was uneven and when it dried it looked horrible. Painting it was not going to make it look any better. I also noticed there were layers of trim around the windows which seemed unnecessary and I wondered if this was because the windows were too small. I complained again and over the phone and was assured the windows were the correct fit. In the meantime the surveyor came round regarding the relocation of the front door in the porch. He advised me that what was proposed would not fit and the door would have to open outwards. I was not happy with this at all. He also said the proposed top light would not fit either. He ummed and ahhed a lot then said the door could open inwards and it would be packed out with trim, and gave me some paper to sign with a drawing showing a front door and built up step. I signed then called the company to ask if the price would alter now we were not having a top light to be told there was no change in price. I then contacted the manufacture of the company through live chat to ask their opinion to be told a top light would cost around £150. I informed the company that I was not happy with what was now being proposed, I wanted a top light and if this was not practical I wanted the price reviewed and they emailed me to say as a gesture of good will they were happy to reduce the price by £50. i was not in agreement with this and made this quite clear. They agreed to come back and look at things to reassure me, we arranged two appointments and they failed to show for both. He then turned up really late (October), obviously not very happy and said again that we couldn't have a top light, that the door would not be packed out with trim it would be the full size of the opening. I said this would be too big and wouldn't it catch on the internal wall edge, he said he didn't think so. I was really unimpressed. I felt that they really didn't give a toss now and that I may end up with a front door that wont even open as it would hit the internal wall edge. At this point I asked for the £250 deposit to be refunded as I didn't want to go ahead with what was proposed. They then said the door was waiting to be fitted so I would not be refunded. I asked why a door had been manufactured when we were not in agreement and they said that I had signed a contract with them. I informed them I had signed a contract for a door with a top light and they said that as I had signed the surveyors paperwork this was a contract. Back to the windows, the company have recently said they would send an independent surveyor for his opinion of the windows (the fit and the appearance), I agreed to this but they sent the surveyor who had originally surveyed the windows, is this independent? Furthermore, they will not provide a copy of the report, I have asked for it in writing several times to be told it is not their policy. Am I entitled to see it? They have said they are happy to come and remove more plastic trim and re render but they will not detail what trim will be removed. I have said they may remove too much or too little, what they do could be irreparable. I have absolutely no faith in this company and do not want them to now mess about with my front door and porch as firstly I do not want what is proposed and secondly I am still unhappy about the windows. I really do not know where I stand legally. my questions are: Is my signature on the surveyors paperwork a new contract? (I have queried it every step of the way and I have evidence) Can I get my £250 deposit back for the door, am I obliged to go ahead with having something I don't want fitted? Can I insist on an independent surveyors report for the windows and am I entitled to see the report? Thank you for taking the time to read this epic mess, I would really appreciate some guidance x

Hello - 5 months ago I had a new composite door / frame set fitted by a supposedly reputable company . Long story short they made a terrible mess and the door was faulty , damaged and the fitters damaged the door and my property whilst fitting .They also took my old door and frame away as they had to smash it out trying to get it out . I never signed the job off and complained straight away . The company sent the 'fitting company' manager to assess the door and he agreed it was terrible and verbally said that we would get a new door and fittings ( that were also damaged ) but not a frame . I was annoyed about this as they come as a factory calibrated set and also the removal of the frames would cause damage and scratches to the frame which was not what we ordered ie a brand new door . We asked for a full replacement of the door set and that was refused .We then noticed further damage to the brickwork under the door that was just placed back and never reported to us .We have since asked for a refund / been refused and had to go the bank for section 75 claim .After legal wrangling with the bank ( suppliers of the interest free credit) the company now wants to 'cancel' the contract and says we have 30 days to get a replacement door and we have to inform them to collect the door so we will be left without our perfectly good old door - a large hole and damaged brickwork ! Do we have any rights to 'restore' us back to the way it was before the work was done - can they legally come and remove the door if they cancel the contract ? Have we any legal redress for the fact we have to get another fitter and get the damaged brickwork mended ?

Hi Can someone please tell me how to proceed. A company called Fidelite knocked on my door tonight but I wasn't home. He just handed my husband an envelope. The debt is with Cabot and the original creditor is a Barclay loan. Ive made no payments since 2012. What is best to do? Do I set up a payment arrangement with them?

Good Morning! Does anyone know how I can stop a door collection agent from Provident attending my home? I missed a payment collection date and was unable to notify the agent as my phone died. The agent then attended my property 4 times that evening knocking loudly from 9pm. Has anyone dealt with Provident before? The whole doorstep collection process for the sake of £100 loan is getting ridiculous. If I can come to an arrangement and deal directly with them that would be ideal. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks very much. Kind regards P

The lady next door to me has always run a child minding business since before I moved in, it wasn't a problem as I'm at work all day and the noise was done by 18:00 when most parents had picked up their kids, she never had any more than about 3 plus her own of which 2 are under 5 years old and one under 16 years old. However now she seems to have built what can only be described as a playground in her back garden and an extension on the back of her house which is a play room (the windows have paintings on them). It's been pretty quiet through the Summer, but last week and this week the noise has started at 07:00 and is still going on now as it is now a full blown creche with possibly 6 - 10 kids but I can't be sure exactly how many and I don't really want to start looking over the fence counting them for obvious reasons. Currently there are kiddie tunes blaring out in the garden and screaming kids running amok. There is a pirate ship climbing frame in the garden and it has bell at the top which is well over the height of the fence (5' fence). If you give kids a bell what do you think is going to happen?! It has become utter chaos that doesn't quieten down until about 19:00. It is impossible for me to sit in the garden during daylight at all. So my question is: Napalm or Mustard Gas, which is most effective in small open air combat zones? Seriously, I know a little bit about nursery rules and regs as my missus is a qualified Nursery Nurse and there is something called 'ratio' where you must have a certain number of adults per child. In this case she is way out of ratio, as to the best of my knowledge she is looking after these kids alone. So do I do the dirty and report her to Ofsted as I genuinely believe the children are at risk if she can't watch them all? This seems a shame as she is trying to make a living and apart from the odd ball or toy coming over which I always return, we had no issues with the creche up to the expansion. My neighbour is a little stand offish though, so I wouldn't say I am able to say 'the noise is a little loud' without it causing some friction. Any thoughts on how to deal with this?

My OH's elderly parents have Home Insurance policy with RSA through Lloyds bank. In July 2015 one of their patio doors glass shattered and had to be replaced. They submitted a claim and glass was eventually replaced (3 weeks) by Evander Glazing, who assumed it was due to direct sunlight / heat. Whilst replacing it the glass shattered again therefore replaced on 2nd attempt. Today the same glass shattered again. My question is, would the replacement glass be under any sort of guarantee? Thank-you

The contract between the company and me, of which I signed states: The Purchaser shall not be entitled to withhold payment on account of any alleged defects. The company agrees to investigate any alleged defects after payment in full of the balance. A surcharge of 2.5% per month will be payable on outstanding balances. I paid the deposit of £131 cash in May but they did not put my door in until October, this was after numerous calls to them. The door is black powder coated aluminium. Problem One: Poorly applied caulking, which is difficult to correct because the hinges on the door narrow the gap between the wall and hinge and so no caulking has been applied and will be impossible to apply. The caulking should have been applied before hanging the door. In other places there is no caulking. Where there is caulking, it is a wavy mess. Problem Two: Apparently, the cleaner they used dulled the surface leaving the door looking patchy and dull. I went to the factory. For Problem One: They gave me some white rubber trim to hide the caulking. They did not have any black aluminium trim and they said they could not remove the door so that I might reapply the caulking. I have not attached the white rubber trim because it looks tacky. I have researched and can buy some metal trim, which will cost me about £50 to buy. For Problem Two: I was given some silicone spray and the door appears okay but I find it easily smears. And I am not sure yet if this has cured the problem or if I have to apply the silicone on a regular basis. I said I would pay them because I felt it was the best they could do. But when I got home, I noticed the insulation trim which is screwed to the frame has defective powder coat. The finish has fine lumps over it and the top layer of coat has started to peel. Also, the bottom trim which has been cut on site now shows aluminium along that cut, they could have attempted to paint it. Also, they did not paint the cut edge of the wood doorstep. Now that it is inserted into the brickwork, it will be difficult to paint, but is do-able. I was hoping they would remove the old door frame intact so that I might use door and frame for my garage. This was not agreed before hand and so frame was destroyed. The door was removed from my property. I asked them to return it. They said they always remove rubbish. I pointed out that a handmade door with solid brass hinges and hand forged handle was not rubbish. They refused to return the door but they did remove all door furniture, which I collected from them. I still have not paid them and last Monday, I rang them to tell them about the defective insulation strip and asked them to replace it, but they have gone quiet on me. My question is, shall I pay them the £1,000 and hope they at least replace the insulation strip after the payment is cleared. I should have read the small print - darn it. Guidance will be appreciated - but I fear it is pay up and shut up. Thanks.

Hi there, A year ago I took out a product with Buy as you view. I have had no problems and have paid religiously by DD every week. This week I returned from holiday to a letter saying the DD had been cancelled (my fault I was cancelling several DDs at once online before i went away). this means that the payments have mounted up to £89 owed. Due to the holiday and not realising they hadn't gone out I rang Buy as you view to advise them I could meet the back log in payments on my next payday but would continue to pay the weekly amount every Friday until then so I don't owe more. they said to do this I had to arrange for the area manager to come out (which I did for next Thursday) to reset my direct debit up rather than by phone. this evening having got home from a long day, feeling unwell and with a small child in the house and one on the way a Buy as you view rep bangs on my door. I didn't answer as I hadn't been expecting him; we had made an appointment for next week. It states on the website they can only visit by appointment. Can anybody advise me where I stand on this please? Do I have to let them in at all? Can I make the payments by phone. What has put me off answering and dealing with them in person is now that they have come round uninvited when I have specifically set an appointment. I tried to ring them but was on hold for 56 minutes then told phone lines have closed Best wishes and thanks in advance Emma

Had an issue over a water bill for some time which has resulted in non payment. Due to my somewhat poor state of health I've not had the energy to deal with things as well as I could do. So I've done the worst thing possible and ignored it until today. Searchlight Collections attended my property this afternoon. I was not at home at the time. The agent spoke to someone who came to my property to collect some belongings, they do not live here. They are a completely different gender to me also. From what I've been told the doorstepper had the cheek to ask for me and state that I owed money for a water bill and to make contact with them. They left a menacing looking card with a box ticked next to "An application for a bailiff or HCEO to seize possessions" ... I have nothing of value, I don't drive on medical grounds so really that course of action is not going to end well for anyone. They are also lacking a defaulted CCJ against me so I don't see how they could even do this without one! They handed this over to the girl at the property and left. They did not enter the property at any point. I received a phonecall from the lady in question and said that if he'd not gone to politely tell them that I was busy and not to be disturbed. Needless to say I'm rather angry that this clown has breached the DPA in this manner. Therefore I want to follow that up. I've no interest in discussing the account with Searchlight. I'd be happy to speak to water company directly however and get the billing issue resolved. How should I proceed in this? I don't want any compensation as such. However I do want to raise the pulse-rates for them a little bit. Thinking a letter asking them what they were doing and copy of their complaints procedure? Then threaten the ICO but actually raise the matter with them anyway? Tyia

Hi, bit of a background. Most dates are from letters. Blue are the dates from correspondence. 02/07/15 - contravention occured, CCTV observed 08/07/15 - Council applied for my details to DVLA 14/07/15 - Council received the details and posted PCN I have not received the PCN 24/08/2015 - Charge Certificate was sent (£90 or so) 01/09/2016 - PEC warning Letter was sent (£90 or so) I opened both letters on 09/09/2015. As I didn't remember entering any Bus Lane I drove to the place. Once there I remembered I did enter the road when looking for a venue for my Wife's birthday. I couldn't see any signs as there was a bunch of diggers and other road working machines parked on both sides of the road. The sign says "Bus and Access Only". As I went half way that road to check the pub it is access. The pub is not accessible by any other road. It sits bang in a middle of Bus and Access only road. I phoned up Council stating that I never received PCN and on top of that I was within restrictions as I was accessing a venue located on that road. Was advised to fill 2 forms (don't remember what forms). Couple of days later I filled the forms and posted them. Haven't heard from the Council since. 27/11/2015 - Council sent TE3/TE9. I honestly don't remember if I got them. Irrelevant anyway as I sent forms already. 08/01/2016 - Warrant of Control was authorised and notice sent to Enforcement Agency Some time in January enforcer turns up and wants nearly £500. I sent him away and contacted CAB. As advised filled forms (Out of Time Witness Statement and Statutory Declaration) stating that I have not received the PCN in a first place and I did coply with restrictions as I used the read as access to the venue which is on that read. Northampton refused the application. Now the case is back with enforcers unless I fork out £100 (no hearing) or £255 (with hearing) and apply for review. Why on Earth Northampton refused I have no idea. When I called TEC they said that officer refused based on reply from the Council. Looks like Council decided here even if it is a side in a case. Now I have to fork out £100 or £255 to have it reviewed and still not certain of the outcome especially if has been refused before despite the fact that I had 2 valid grounds for having Out Of Time granted. As far as my research so far any of this grounds on its own should warrant acceptance of Out of Time. Please advise if there is anything else I can do. Just to clarify, Main problem is should I received PCN I would have appealed against it. Mainly as I can't afford any extra expenses and I do watch very carefully where I drive or park. Having said that if I lost the appeal I would have to pay "only" £60. I definitely can not afford £500. Got to think twice before forking out £100 for review and £255 is out of reach. Regards

Hi all Not sure which sub category this should go in so here I am in the general retail area. I bought a replacement seal for my oven door. This was direct via the Hotpoint spare parts department, bought over the phone. I gave the oven model number to the operator who advised the correct part and took payment. On receipt of the item I've found that it is very similar to the original part (but not the same) but does not fit the oven. I've called Hotpoint four times to try and resolve the issue, they are excruciatingly difficult to deal with. They are refusing to refund because the 'correct' part has been sent, have accused me of being incapable of fitting the part (seriously, fitment couldn't be more straightforward!), and have three times told me that they must check with their technical team and call back but have not called back. I have tried to escalate the issue but their operators refuse to let me speak to a supervisor and there is no number for complaints. A refund isn't really what I want (but will settle for this). I can't use the oven without a seal. This oven is only three years old! I'm a bit stuck and would be grateful for any helpful advice. TIA VB

My bedroom walls are being water damaged and progessively getting worse and worse, the plaster is now falling off in sections. I've had a builder come out to lool and they have told me the adjoining roof of the house next door is damaged and thats how the water is coming into my bedroom. The insurance surveyor came out to look and sent the report to the insurance company (time of writing its now been 4 weeks) after me having to daily chase up the insurance company I have now been told, they will pay to repair the water damage to the interior of my house BUT they want me to first some find the contact details of the landlord that owns the empty property next door, before they fix the water damge (because the neighbour has to fix his roof, to stop the water coming into my house) The insurance company is telling me to contact the council and tell them the neighbours roof is damaged and water is coming through the neighbours house and damaging my walls. The only thing I have found on the land registry is the names of the 3 people that own the empty house next door which is in a bad state, they are no other details like phone number, so i can't ring the owner of the house next door and ask him to repair his roof and once thats repaired the insurance will will then repair the my bedroom walls. It looks like my insurance is asking me to do their work and find the owner or they just want to drag this on and in the mean time my house is being damaged with water whenever it rains because of the next door neighbours house roof which needs to get fixed to stop water coming into my house. What can I do, I can't sleep in the bedroom anymore because all the walls are damp and wet. Is it not the insurance jobs to locate the owner of the house next door and ask them to repair his roof? then the insurance can repair my house? please help me, i feel like crying