BGAS debt - CCA request to Wescot, got this back

[berrylover]

What does it mean?

 

[Freewilling]

Dont mean to burst your bubble, but they are right there is no need for a consumer credit agreement when dealing with utility bills.

 

What you want to do now is question wescot's right to collect the debt, as they have said that the CCA does not apply to a utility bill.

 

Ask then for proof that you gave your permission for them to be involved in a private matter between yourself and british gas, as you believe they are a third party that has not been stipulated in the original contract between you and british gas.

[eastendboy]

Hi there, it is my belief that this is indeed a service account and not covered by the CCA 1974 act so the above letter is right. A CCA request was not required in this instance.

 

I'm not sure how you go forward on this one though berrylover regarding your challenge, but for sure someone will be along soon who can:)

[PGH7447]

You cant CCA a Utility company,it is not covered by a consumer credit agreement

 

Best bet if you can is to pay British Gas and circumnavigate westcrap,

[ukaviator]

As said above, you need to make arrangements with British Gas, and ask them to call off the hounds. I have found out today that they do an online tariff called Energy 5.

 

All you have to do is sign up online to Click Energy 5 and manage your accounts online. There is no cancellation fee and no tie-ins so you've got nothing to lose. I would try to negotiate to get put on this tariff.

 

I didn't know about this until this morning. This may help with the high bills expected soon.

[berrylover]

So if I pay the £1 token payment to British Gas rather than westcrap British Gas cannot complain as they are still getting the cash?

[mr.ton]

There really is not much Westcot can or will do anyway regardless....

Like every other DCA - they are powerless other than to go to the County Court

[tomterm8]

This is simply not true, a utility company can ultimatly disconnect you. You really do need to come to some agreement, and to contact the National Debt Line to work out repayments. There are facilities available to help utility customers who are vulnerable, or to renegotiate repayments, but if you ignore it things have a tendancy to explode.

[berrylover]

I am no longer with British Gas and I am paying this money back, albeit to Wescot at £1 a month.

[tomterm8]

That's good, in that case the debt is not a priority, but it is still necessary to repay them in the way you would any other unsecured creditor. In essence, if it ever came to court you would lose.

 

it sounds like you are doing the right thing, by paying them what you can afford.

[berrylover]

Yup, I am not trying to avoid my debts at all. Just want to know the legality of the DCA's right to collect the money. I am happy to pay back to British Gas as I did use the gas, and if I could pay it all off tomorrow I would. Thanks for the advice.