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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to panic about how to pay this debt?

92 replies

blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 12/08/2015 10:59

I've been referred to a debt collection agency for non payment of a ?2000 water bill from my previous house. I was sent the bill out of the blue two years ago......when I rang the water company they said I must have some kind of leak. I paid for a plumber and he found there had been a leak on my toilet for around two years although I knew nothing about this.

I've been in touch with the debt agency now who tell me I only have 6 months to pay this bill, or I go to court with the view of getting prosecuted. This means payments of ?333 every month which I really can't afford (am single parent.) They did an affordability calulator thing with me and claim that I CAN afford it, but I know I can't.

Water company says I have to pay, and it's not their debt. I don't think I should have to pay so much over 6 months, if at all. AIBU?

OP posts:
x2boys · 12/08/2015 14:31

are you sure you actually owe anything? i had a problem with united utillities who said i owed £4000 and then it went mysteriously down to£2000 they couldnt tell me why or how i owed it just that i did, they checked my water meter all was fine this went on for two years them saying i owed me asking why, i eventually contacted the consumer council for water it turned out somebody had put a decimal point in the wrong place at one point and they owed me!!!!

x2boys · 12/08/2015 14:48

the consumer council for water is an independent body for england and wales [ sorry if your not in england or wales] they will look into this for you and stop all action untill they investigate it give them a call on 0121 345 1000

BarbarianMum · 12/08/2015 14:50

Silesia

BarbarianMum · 12/08/2015 14:51

Oops, wrong thread Blush

Tinandgonic · 12/08/2015 15:03

I live in Scotland. My water rates are included in my council tax....I can see a breakdown on the council's website but it's absolutely part of my council tax.

Tinandgonic · 12/08/2015 15:05

Thanks for explaining though! SmileFlowers

RedDaisyRed · 12/08/2015 15:45

People should not be telling her to pay anything until it is clear she owes even a single penny. First issue is was she on a water meter or not./ Second issue was the water faulty and she is not liable?

Original poster
blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 12/08/2015 16:46

Thanks everyone for the help - I'm going to ring the water consumer council later. I hope someone can help!

OP posts:
ThisisMrsNicolaHicklin · 12/08/2015 17:27

This sounds very dodgy, I agree with PP, make sure you are liable for this before you pay. I was in a similar position, although it was much more clear cut that I didn't owe the money, and I was advised not to pay as it showed I acknowledged that the debt was mine.
Get advice from CAB before you do anything.

londonrach · 12/08/2015 17:33

Talk to cab. Tbh id be asking for proof you owe anything then agreeing a payment plan that suits me. Might be wrong but my dad (often wrong) said if energy or water bill has not been sent for over a year you might not be liable. Please talk to cab. Also think complaint is needed re their we know you can pay 333 that's awful. Hope you ok x

Original poster
blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 12/08/2015 17:42

Hi again, the leak was inside the toilet, dribbling into the bowl so i had no idea it was even leaking.
Sad

Just rang water company again - they admitted the water bill was high for two years (several bills of ?600 apparently but i didnt receive these.)

They said CUSTOMER PAYS FOR ALL INTERNAL LEAKS and it's not their cost.

Just tried water consumer co but they were closed for the day.

OP posts:
Original poster
blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 12/08/2015 17:44

They also had proof of me sending a plumber's report in 2010 but they said it makes no difference.

OP posts:
overthemill · 12/08/2015 17:47

Go straight to CAB and get advice immediately

Original poster
blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 12/08/2015 17:48

Nb. The debt agency ran through my ingoings and outgoings with me, and because i have ?600 'disposable' income after all bills etc, apparently I can afford the ?333 each month. I let them set this up because i was scared! Can i cancel this payment plan before it starts??

OP posts:
overthemill · 12/08/2015 17:50

Also you can report these kind of scaremongering tactics. It's not allowed

lanbro · 12/08/2015 17:52

Dh had an old water bill for £600. I offered 50 a month, they gave us a payment card, I was useless and kept forgetting and after a couple of years paid the remaining 150 in one go. This was through a debt agency, only a year or so ago and it hasn't affected dh's credit rating at all. They are trying to scare you, please don't fret but do take cab advice .

Original poster
blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 12/08/2015 18:25

Thanks you lot. I don't think I'm going to get let off this one, though, but I am going to fight it.

OP posts:
inlectorecumbit · 12/08/2015 18:25

Yep stop the repayment right away

inlectorecumbit · 12/08/2015 18:26

oops..

and set it for £10 a month to show you are willing to repay over time

Lynnm63 · 12/08/2015 18:31

Have you acknowledged the debt as if six years have passed since you acknowledged the debt then it's statute barred and they can't take you to court. No CCJ=no money from you.
Get advice before you admit anything.

Lynnm63 · 12/08/2015 18:35

Just read up. Your post about the payment plan showed up after I started typing.

Original poster
blackrabbitwhiterabbit · 12/08/2015 18:35

Lynmm - what would count as acknowledging the debt? I sent a plumber's report in and phoned numerous times, and I've sadly now agreed to a payment plan with the debt collectors!! (which I'm cancelling first thing in the morning!)

Cumbit - the woman at the debt agency told me to stop wasting everyone's time when i offered to pay ?100 a month! She told me to phone back later when I had come to realise that i COULD afford the ?333 a month!!

OP posts:
Lynnm63 · 12/08/2015 18:39

btw, the 'prosecuted' is scare tactics. These are civil matters not criminal. They would be the claimant not the prosecutor.

ArseForElbow · 12/08/2015 18:40

Cancel the Direct Debit or Standing Order and call them again offering to pay what you can, they have to accept it in Scotland, I'm unsure about England

Lynnm63 · 12/08/2015 18:46

If you've set up a payment plan you've probably acknowledged the debt. CAB will have more information on that. However, no county court in the land would make you pay at £333 per month, unless you are a millionaire in which case you'd probably pay the debt off in full.
I'd offer to pay £50 per month maximum, assuming you can afford that. If they refuse pay the £50 into a separate account and if they take you to court take the offer letter, their rejection letter and the bank statement showing the money saved which will show your intent.
The judge will not be impressed at them wasting the courts time.
Also insist on everything being in writing that way the lying scum cannot twist your words.