British Gas unfair charge

[Froth]

I've recently paid my Gas and Electricity bills (both British Gas) after receiving the final reminder. This advised that if the bills weren't paid within 10 days and a further reminder was sent, I would be charged £14 on both bills...to cover the cost of them sending the letter. This was received on a Friday and on the Monday I sent cheques for both accounts with payment in full. On the Tuesday (2nd Dec) I rang British Gas and advised that a payment had been sent. The Customer Service assistant told me that as it takes 14 days (!!) for a cheque to clear into the company's account 'they would probably still send letters and charge £14 for each' I was given the option of paying in full (again) by debit or credit card over the phone and the cheques would be credited to my account for future bills. £200! I asked if a note would be put on the system that the cheques had been received and was told that it would, but this wouldn't stop further overdue letters being sent...for a total of £28. This is exactly what has happened. The cheques have cleared my bank account, but I've received warnings letters threatening 'entry and disconnection' + the extra charges. Is this unfair trading terms?

Edited December 10, 2009 by Froth
typos