Jump to content


  • Tweets

  • Posts

    • 05.05.24 Ever so sorry if I have entered this in the wrong part of this website.   My grandfather is in his 70's and retired.  He asked me to help him find a work pension that he was paying into when he was working. From 1967 - 1982 he worked for a Fabric Dying Company, Celanese, Spondon Derby UK. I have already used the GOV.uk Trace Pension Scheme. It listed a few pension companies : Akzo Nobel (CPS) Pension Scheme formerly Courtaulds Pension Scheme.  I do not fully understand how this works but I think this scheme is administer by a company called Willis Tower Watson. We have called this company, got through to the pension department submitted all my grandfather's details (D.O.B. , N.I. no. etc.) but that agent tells that they have no record of my grandfather and ask what is the name of the pension scheme. Here is the problem, his home was burgalled in 2005 and a briefcase which contained his legal documents was stolen. So he does not know who was the Pension Scheme company. I have a this phone number 01332 681 210 for Celanese but it just rings and never gets answered. So I am asking for help if anyone can tell us where we can try next. I am also hoping for a massive long shot that one of them members on this website, worked for or knows someone who worked for British Celanese Spondon Derby and could tell us of any pension company. Thanks for any help.
    • Well I sent them the letter of claim, the only responses so far was a few emails reopening the claims on the parcels where they asked for information such as proof of value (which I get) but other things like photos of the parcels, which I haven't got as I never took photos of them. It's been well over the 14 days since I sent the letter now anyway, so what do you think I should do now?
    • Know it has already been answered, but? Does not explain why JCI has registered a different default date when they get the information from the original creditor, Virgin
    • Since you were stopped at the time there is no requirement for the police give you anything there and then or to send you anything before they have decided how to deal with the offence.  They have three choices: Offer you a course Offer you a fixed penalty (£100 and three points) Prosecute you in court  The only option that has a formal time limit is (3). They must begin court proceedings within six months of the date of the alleged offence. Options (1) and (2) have no time limit but since the only alternative the police have if you decline those offers is (3) they will not usually offer a course beyond three months from the date of the offence and will not usually offer a fixed penalty beyond four months from that date. This is so as to allow time for the driver to accept and comply with their offer and to give them the time to go to option (3) if he declines or ignores it.  Unless there is a good reason to do otherwise, the action they take will usually be in accordance with the National Police Chiefs' Council's guidance on speeding enforcement. In a 40mph limit this is as follows Up to 45mph - no action. Between 46mph and 53mph - offer a course Between 54mph and 65mph - offer a fixed penalty Over 65mph - prosecution in court So you can see that 54mph should see you offered a fixed penalty. Three weeks is not overly long for a fixed penalty offer to arrive. As well as that, there has been Easter in that period which will have slowed things down a bit. However, I would suggest that if it gets to about two months from the offence date and you have still heard nohing, I would contact the ticket office for the area where you were stopped to see if anything has been sent to you. Of course this raises the danger that you might be "stirring the hornets' nest". But in all honesty, if the police have decided to take no action, you jogging their memory should not really influence them. The bigger danger, IMHO, is that your fixed penalty offer may have been sent but lost and if you do not respond it will lapse. This will see the police revert to option (3) above. Whilst there is a mechanism in these circumstances  to persuade the court to sentence you at the fixed penalty level (rather than in accordance with the normal guidelines which will see a harsher penalty), it relies on them believing you when you say you did not received an offer. In any case it is aggravation you could well do without so for the sake of a phone call, I'd enquire if it was me.  I think I've answered all your questions but if I can help further just let me know. Just a tip - if you are offered a fixed penalty be sure to submit your driving licence details as instructed. I've seen lots of instances where a driver has not done this. There will be no reminder and no second chance; your £100 will be refunded and the police will prosecute you through the courts.
  • Recommended Topics

  • Our picks

    • If you are buying a used car – you need to read this survival guide.
      • 1 reply
    • Hello,

      On 15/1/24 booked appointment with Big Motoring World (BMW) to view a mini on 17/1/24 at 8pm at their Enfield dealership.  

      Car was dirty and test drive was two circuits of roundabout on entry to the showroom.  Was p/x my car and rushed by sales exec and a manager into buying the mini and a 3yr warranty that night, sale all wrapped up by 10pm.  They strongly advised me taking warranty out on car that age (2017) and confirmed it was honoured at over 500 UK registered garages.

      The next day, 18/1/24 noticed amber engine warning light on dashboard , immediately phoned BMW aftercare team to ask for it to be investigated asap at nearest garage to me. After 15 mins on hold was told only their 5 service centres across the UK can deal with car issues with earliest date for inspection in March ! Said I’m not happy with that given what sales team advised or driving car. Told an amber warning light only advisory so to drive with caution and call back when light goes red.

      I’m not happy to do this, drive the car or with the after care experience (a sign of further stresses to come) so want a refund and to return the car asap.

      Please can you advise what I need to do today to get this done. 
       

      Many thanks 
      • 81 replies
    • Housing Association property flooding. https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/topic/438641-housing-association-property-flooding/&do=findComment&comment=5124299
      • 161 replies
    • We have finally managed to obtain the transcript of this case.

      The judge's reasoning is very useful and will certainly be helpful in any other cases relating to third-party rights where the customer has contracted with the courier company by using a broker.
      This is generally speaking the problem with using PackLink who are domiciled in Spain and very conveniently out of reach of the British justice system.

      Frankly I don't think that is any accident.

      One of the points that the judge made was that the customers contract with the broker specifically refers to the courier – and it is clear that the courier knows that they are acting for a third party. There is no need to name the third party. They just have to be recognisably part of a class of person – such as a sender or a recipient of the parcel.

      Please note that a recent case against UPS failed on exactly the same issue with the judge held that the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 did not apply.

      We will be getting that transcript very soon. We will look at it and we will understand how the judge made such catastrophic mistakes. It was a very poor judgement.
      We will be recommending that people do include this adverse judgement in their bundle so that when they go to county court the judge will see both sides and see the arguments against this adverse judgement.
      Also, we will be to demonstrate to the judge that we are fair-minded and that we don't mind bringing everything to the attention of the judge even if it is against our own interests.
      This is good ethical practice.

      It would be very nice if the parcel delivery companies – including EVRi – practised this kind of thing as well.

       

      OT APPROVED, 365MC637, FAROOQ, EVRi, 12.07.23 (BRENT) - J v4.pdf
        • Like
  • Recommended Topics

Terrible State!


pinkcob
style="text-align: center;">  

Thread Locked

because no one has posted on it for the last 4470 days.

If you need to add something to this thread then

 

Please click the "Report " link

 

at the bottom of one of the posts.

 

If you want to post a new story then

Please

Start your own new thread

That way you will attract more attention to your story and get more visitors and more help 

 

Thanks

Recommended Posts

Please could you help me...

 

I am desperate for some advice..

 

We over 40 k in debt from past failed business, we got evicted from our last home due to rent arrears and and were rehomed by the council with a private landlord, they paid the deposit and 2 months rental advance... anyway my husband has subsequently been part time and we have never been able to save the money to go bankrupct so always have people at the door and to cut a long story short we are behind again and getting evicted again.... It's a viscous nightmare!

 

So the council stands to loose their money I suspect, we can't get any where with our background at all and are still 40K in debt..

 

A lady at the council said they don't need to rehome us or get council housing as we have intentionally made ourselves homeless by being in arrears..

 

We have 4 children 18yrs, 17yrs, 11yrs and 10yrs.... do they HAVE to help us regardless? what on earth can we do?

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 56
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Hi there - give Shelter a ring, they are fantastic at this sort of situation - this is their number 0808 800 4444- you may have to keep ringing as they are usually quite busy but yo will get the advice you need from them.

Help us to keep on helping

Please consider making a donation, however small, if you have benefited from advice on the forums

 

 

This site is run solely on donations

 

My advice is based on my opinion and experience only. It is not to be taken as legal advice - if you are unsure you should seek professional help.

Link to post
Share on other sites

pinkcob, sorry to hear about your situation. The Council don't HAVE to help but you can challenge their decision and I believe, given the age of your children, you should be able to get help from Social Services.

 

There is an emergency housing rights checker on the Shelter website that is worth looking at

Link to post
Share on other sites

Please could you help me...

 

I am desperate for some advice..

 

We over 40 k in debt from past failed business, we got evicted from our last home due to rent arrears and and were rehomed by the council with a private landlord, they paid the deposit and 2 months rental advance... anyway my husband has subsequently been part time and we have never been able to save the money to go bankrupct so always have people at the door and to cut a long story short we are behind again and getting evicted again.... It's a viscous nightmare!

 

So the council stands to loose their money I suspect, we can't get any where with our background at all and are still 40K in debt..

 

A lady at the council said they don't need to rehome us or get council housing as we have intentionally made ourselves homeless by being in arrears..

 

We have 4 children 18yrs, 17yrs, 11yrs and 10yrs.... do they HAVE to help us regardless? what on earth can we do?

 

They don't have to help you or your husband or your 18 year old - but they are OBLIGED to help the children - so, either they will have to take the children into voluntary accommodation (care with your agreement) or they will have to take them in because they will be destitute, OR they will have to rehouse you ALL together.

 

The likelihood is that they will house you all together since children are usually best placed with their parents and not into the care system.

 

Your biggest difficulty is that you have twice become intentionally homeless by allowing yourself to run up arrears on your housing - so depending on your local authority's view point, they may decide to accommodate the children as a safer option for the children's well being and welfare.

 

What was the issue with paying the rent? Was it too high for you to afford? Did you claim housing benefit? Are you and your husband working? Are all the children in education?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes this is what I've been told! The thought of it!!

 

We had got into slight arrears with current landlord but had increased payments to include arrears and everyone was happy but then in December and January my husband hardly had any work! He works for a driving agency (temping) and all of a sudden was only working 1 - 2 days per week, I informed landlords agent I expected difficulties but I was sure it was just short term and then received notice (21) we have tried to re-negotiate with them and let us stay.. I have emails etc..

 

To be honest it completely unaffordable in our current situation.but it was given as our only option... I am sure the council will say I have made myself intentionally homeless but is this the case in light of the above, our actions? And also in light that we are 40k in debt still, some debts spanning back 7 + years.. is this not proof of unaffordabilty and that it is not intentional we are just in this spiral of debt?

 

My children are all in education, 18 yo uni, 17 yo college and two youngest at middle school, we are not a 'problem' family and have never been in trouble so to speak apart from money!

 

I have spoken to shelter and they may see us if they can fund our application so just waiting but in the meantime meet with council today- I'm very scared.... and need to persuade them I'm not intentionally homeless

Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes this is what I've been told! The thought of it!!

 

We had got into slight arrears with current landlord but had increased payments to include arrears and everyone was happy but then in December and January my husband hardly had any work! He works for a driving agency (temping) and all of a sudden was only working 1 - 2 days per week, I informed landlords agent I expected difficulties but I was sure it was just short term and then received notice (21) we have tried to re-negotiate with them and let us stay.. I have emails etc..

 

To be honest it completely unaffordable in our current situation.but it was given as our only option... I am sure the council will say I have made myself intentionally homeless but is this the case in light of the above, our actions? And also in light that we are 40k in debt still, some debts spanning back 7 + years.. is this not proof of unaffordabilty and that it is not intentional we are just in this spiral of debt?

 

My children are all in education, 18 yo uni, 17 yo college and two youngest at middle school, we are not a 'problem' family and have never been in trouble so to speak apart from money!

 

I have spoken to shelter and they may see us if they can fund our application so just waiting but in the meantime meet with council today- I'm very scared.... and need to persuade them I'm not intentionally homeless

 

Any advice to take to this meeting?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes this is what I've been told! The thought of it!!

 

We had got into slight arrears with current landlord but had increased payments to include arrears and everyone was happy but then in December and January my husband hardly had any work! He works for a driving agency (temping) and all of a sudden was only working 1 - 2 days per week, I informed landlords agent I expected difficulties but I was sure it was just short term and then received notice (21) we have tried to re-negotiate with them and let us stay.. I have emails etc..

 

To be honest it completely unaffordable in our current situation.but it was given as our only option... I am sure the council will say I have made myself intentionally homeless but is this the case in light of the above, our actions? And also in light that we are 40k in debt still, some debts spanning back 7 + years.. is this not proof of unaffordabilty and that it is not intentional we are just in this spiral of debt?

 

My children are all in education, 18 yo uni, 17 yo college and two youngest at middle school, we are not a 'problem' family and have never been in trouble so to speak apart from money!

 

I have spoken to shelter and they may see us if they can fund our application so just waiting but in the meantime meet with council today- I'm very scared.... and need to persuade them I'm not intentionally homeless

 

Did no one tell you that you might be entitled to housing benefits when your husband's hours dropped?

 

Have you done an income and expenditure form? (See the sticky thread at the top of this forum created by Ell-enn - download the I&E form and fill it in - it is important to know precisely why you are not able to meet your financial commitments.)

 

You said that you got into a 'bit' of arrears - how many months are outstanding (or how much)?

 

You state you were served with a s21 - it is unusual for a landlord to use a s21 when the primary reason they want you out is due to rent arrears. Can you phone the court and ask them if the hearing for possession against you has been listed under the 'accelerated procedures'?

 

What exactly does the particulars of claim state under no. 4©?

 

What time is your meeting with the council?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Did no one tell you that you might be entitled to housing benefits when your husband's hours dropped?

 

Have you done an income and expenditure form? (See the sticky thread at the top of this forum created by Ell-enn - download the I&E form and fill it in - it is important to know precisely why you are not able to meet your financial commitments.)

 

You said that you got into a 'bit' of arrears - how many months are outstanding (or how much)?

 

You state you were served with a s21 - it is unusual for a landlord to use a s21 when the primary reason they want you out is due to rent arrears. Can you phone the court and ask them if the hearing for possession against you has been listed under the 'accelerated procedures'?

 

What exactly does the particulars of claim state under no. 4©?

 

What time is your meeting with the council?

 

Meeting half two, just about to do income n expenditure as per form above thank you, am I allow to include payments to my 17 yo son for buses and dinners at college? We help my 18 yo daughter as grant hardly covers rent but suppose I can't list that?

We have had some housing benefit periodiclydependingon husbands pay from 0 - 40 pw. Will check your other questions and replying a mo.

Link to post
Share on other sites

If there are things that you have to spend money on then you should include them. If there is anything that you can cut back on then don't include it.

 

No point telling them that you have x amount available after outgoings when in reality you have only half that, because any help or arrangement you might get will be based on what you say your budget is.

Link to post
Share on other sites

calculator of Income and expediture (found excl document says I am £535 over / in red every week without ANY debt repayment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and I have put silly figures like £30 per month for family of 5-6 clothes per month!! which is in now way accurate

Link to post
Share on other sites

Firstly, contrary to what you have been told above regarding children's expenses, no, don't put in that you are assisting your adult daughter in education - she'll have to get a part time job (lots of students do it), you simply cannot afford to assist her, as doing so has contributed to putting your home at risk. I know that will sound harsh - but every single thing that isn't necessary, is going to need to be cut down.

 

The cost of your children who are under 18 MUST be included - which includes your son's travel expenses. Again though, I would suggest he gets a part time job so that he can help the family a bit as necessary, even if it is merely by paying his own fares and taking a packed lunch to school.

 

Can you PM me a copy of your I&E - with an overspend of 535 a week, something is going drastically wrong.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Firstly, contrary to what you have been told above regarding children's expenses, no, don't put in that you are assisting your adult daughter in education - she'll have to get a part time job (lots of students do it), you simply cannot afford to assist her, as doing so has contributed to putting your home at risk. I know that will sound harsh - but every single thing that isn't necessary, is going to need to be cut down.

 

The cost of your children who are under 18 MUST be included - which includes your son's travel expenses. Again though, I would suggest he gets a part time job so that he can help the family a bit as necessary, even if it is merely by paying his own fares and taking a packed lunch to school.

 

Can you PM me a copy of your I&E - with an overspend of 535 a week, something is going drastically wrong.

 

 

Sorry per month.... Haven't included anything for daughter and yes will pm now

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think your lack of intention isn't a winning factor - it's not relevant here. I don't think many people intentionally sit back and state "I'm not paying my rent", particularly when they have children (though trust me, I have met clients who have exactly that attitude!), but in your circumstances, it's just not going to be a plus point because this is the second time you have been in exactly the same place.

 

What you need to do is look forward and try to clear up the mess, not look back to see if there is anything to explain it away.

 

So, in the particulars of claim, in no.4© it states that they are relying on s21(4) - is that correct?

 

On the form (the pages before the PoC, which boxes are ticked? I presume they have ticked 'rent arrears' and 'breach of tenancy'? If so, have they included a statement of the rent arrears?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hang on - just re-read some of your posts...are you stating that all you have received at this point is the notice requiring possession of the property?

 

If yes, can you scan the document (remove private information) and post it up in the thread - I want to check whether it is valid. What date is your rent due on?

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think your lack of intention isn't a winning factor - it's not relevant here. I don't think many people intentionally sit back and state "I'm not paying my rent", particularly when they have children (though trust me, I have met clients who have exactly that attitude!), but in your circumstances, it's just not going to be a plus point because this is the second time you have been in exactly the same place.

 

What you need to do is look forward and try to clear up the mess, not look back to see if there is anything to explain it away.

 

So, in the particulars of claim, in no.4© it states that they are relying on s21(4) - is that correct?

 

On the form (the pages before the PoC, which boxes are ticked? I presume they have ticked 'rent arrears' and 'breach of tenancy'? If so, have they included a statement of the rent arrears?

 

I haven't anything with what you ask / require on... it's just a simple one sheet piece of paper saying under section 21 (4) a they require posession

Link to post
Share on other sites

Okay - in that case, if they are relying on a s21 notice, it is simply that they require the property back, and even though you owe rent, it is not the primary reason for them wanting the property.

 

A s21 is seen as a 'no fault' eviction, so the local authority shouldn't find you intentionally homeless based on the fact that you have been served with one. However, there may be an issue arising if the local authority lose their deposit due to the arrears, so that will obviously be something that they consider in your homelessness.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Recently Browsing   0 Caggers

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Have we helped you ...?


×
×
  • Create New...