Negotiating a deal with Payplan or CCCS

[Smarterchick]

A friend of mine has told me he has a whole bunch of debts, Credit Cards and loans totalling some £65,000. - shocked the life out of me. He is over 60yrs old and currently out of work, but has these debts serviced under a Debt Management Plan with either CCCS or Payplan (can't remember which one now) paying some £115 a month.

 

There are 10 accounts each over £5000 and under £15,000 all unsecured.

 

One of his family has offered £15,000 cash to try and negotiate full and final settlements to rid him of this debt as his health is suffering badly as a result.

 

Has anyone any knowledge of the ability of either CCCS or the likes of Payplan to get full and finals negotiated and what kind of reductions on the outstanding balances might be achievable?

 

Seems a nightmare, but I'd like to try and help. I got him to apply for CCA requests and only a few came back so they can be dealt with accordingly.

 

Thanks

SC

[cerberusalert]

With the CCAs, if any of them are unenforceable and he decides to withold payments there is a likelihood that the debt management wallahs, particularly CCCS will refuse to act on his behalf. Although they are registered as a charity they are in fact funded by the finance industry, so it's a case of 'he who pays the piper calls the tune'.

 

As for negotiating a settlement, if the debts are owned by a DCA they might be easier to deal with & may accept a lower sum. Particularly as they would have only paid between 5 and 20% for the debt. If a debt is still owned by the original creditor they may be a tougher nut to crack because not only would they have the value of the debt if sold on to consider, but whatever tax relief they could claim too.

 

As for a DMC negotiating on his behalf, I doubt it. But he should be able to do it on his own ...or authorise a third party to act for him.