Open Uni / Geoffrey Leaver

[spacecadet5767]

Hi all,

 

I need some further guidance/advice.

 

Some years ago, I started studying with the OU.

 

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control as detailed elsewhere, I couldn't keep up with the payments.

 

I ceased studying, and left it at that.

 

I am now ready to dive back into the books and hopefully complete my studies this time around.

 

However, having contacted the OU, they will not agree to finance my studies until I sort out the previous Budget Account.

 

This is where Geoffrey Leaver comes in. They have been assigned the debt recovery. I believe they are solicitors?

 

The debt is now well and truly SB'ed so I am not worried about it's enforceability.

 

I'm just wondering what might be my best line of attack, considering that I would really like to study again.

 

SB'ed can't be undone if I contact them to try and sort it out, even if I acknowledge the debt is mine? Should I see about making a full and final settlement of X pennies in the pound? Chances of success?

 

To be brutally honest I am not even sure of the amount in question.

 

The OU said to call them, but I am always wary of speaking to any of these people on the phone.

 

Any advice will be gratefully accepted as always!

 

Thanks.

[dx100uk]

quite correct

 

although you 'technically' still owe the money

paying a fake/tame solicitor is not required

 

so what do OU say about the fact its SB'd

 

dx

[spacecadet5767]

They haven't said anything other than "please contact Geoffrey Leaver on xyz telephone number and quote abc ref nr and sort out any outstanding balance before we will consider taking your study registration further".

 

This was in reply to an email I sent them.

 

No mention was made regarding the SB nature of the debt, by me or them.

 

Would it make an iota of difference to them that it is SB, or would they simply say "no pay, no study"? I would hazard a guess, and say no and yes respectively.

 

What do you think dx?

 

Thanks for your input by the way.

[dx100uk]

dear sirs

 

the outstanding balance was from 199x?

 

as you should already be aware,

the statute of limitations , namely 6yrs, should surely apply?

 

Are you saying you are preventing me from studying because you think the debt is still owed?

 

dx

[spacecadet5767]

Should I send that as a reply email to the one I received, asking me to contact Geoffrey Leaver?

[dx100uk]

yes why not.

 

dx

[spacecadet5767]

Ok. I'll do that, and update when I get a reply.

[renegadeimp]

To answer your question about SB when you discuss it afterwards with the creditor, dont worry about it. Once a debt becomes SB, NOTHING can change it's status.

[anynewmouse]

I would hasten a guess that the OU know they cannot enforce recovery of the previously financed course fees either directly or by use of a third party.

 

However, they can refuse you further credit as the debt technically still exists.

[spacecadet5767]

Which is exactly the response I received from the OU.

 

They said, and I am paraphrasing - we are not preventing you from studying. We are simply unable to provide you with an OU Student Budget Account.

 

So I can study, but will have to fund it via other means.

 

Thanks for your help guys. Looks like I will have to contact GL and make some sort of arrangement. Either that or look into alternate funding sources.

[dx100uk]

its SB'd you owe nothing, legally, no court can enforce it

 

IMHO you are being held to ransom.

 

certainly NEVER EVER pay a third party.

 

dx

[anynewmouse]

I wouldn't bank on the OU approving an application for further credit either, debt paid or not.

 

I'd look to finance this elsewhere.

 

Edit: Just double check there isn't some crappy clause in the OU terms and conditions about graduating when there are outstanding fees (enforceable or not).

[spacecadet5767]

Thanks for the advice guys (or gals). Need to go away and consider my options.