National Debtline been experiencing high call volume for days..still can't through.

[malificent7]

AIBU that this says a lot about the state of our economy?

I need to speak to them in person regarding a gas and electric bill and I have been trying for days. I called at 9am and I am still waiting at 11 am.

It's a joke. Can step change help write off a gas and electric bill? I was ok until Scottish power installed a smart meter. Now owe them £1000. They want to charge me £150 pcm for arrears and bill!!

[happinessiseggshaped]

Why spike in people in debt at the moment? Universal credit.

[KanielOutis]

A lot of people are in debt. I work in a sector that deals with debt. Some live beyond their means, over extending themselves with credit. Some are in genuine hardship, where through no fault of their own, they can't make ends meet. I don't meet many in the latter category, but it does happen.

[florafawna]

Christmas looming probably reason.

[OftenHangry]

@malificent7 Try the energy ombudsman. They are here for people and maybe they will help. I had Scottish power once. Never again. They are horrible with bills.

[malificent7]

Probably...I had a pay as you go meter in my last place. I have never spent £200 on a pair of shoes tbh! (MISSES ENTIRE POINT OF THREAD)

[makinglifeeasier]

All they will do is put you on a debt management plan.

If you don't want this, you're better speaking to the company directly.

One of the problems with them IME is that they won't even speak to you without going through your personal and financial details which takes ages which is probably why you can't get through.

[OftenHangry]

To your bill. Have you challenged them on it officially?
www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/complain-about-your-gas-or-electricity-bill-or-supplier

[OftenHangry]

Well. Some lost a job, or were in a dire situation and got into debt and plenty just lived beyond their means. I've met people who moaned about not being able to afford a rent and right in next sentence they popped that they are going to town to buy £200 shoes...
But lots of people were genuinely in a bad situation resulting in issues.

[ProfYaffle]

Try one of the other debt advice services, Step Change, Money Advice Service, CAB etc.

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

Personal debt will be the reason for the next economic crisis, it’s being said.

[Eilaianne]

But you presumably used the gas and electricity, why should they write it off?
Seek a confirmation that the bill is correct or ask about a more sustainable repayment plan, yes, but writing off a valid debt doesn't help longterm if your basic living costs aren't being paid...

[malificent7]

Thanks for the advice would look into it. I guess my main point is...whey havn't I been able to get through....whey are so many in debt?

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

Would you be open to switching to prepayment meter's? I know lots of people hate them but I have them by choice & only spend around £15 a year more than if I was on quarterly bills, which I'm ok with. I think the amount they're allowed to take off the debt each week is capped. If you aleady have smart meters you'll be able to top up online too so ypu don't need to worry about being near a shop (I can't have them).

[SillySallySingsSongs]

How do you owe them £1000 from using a smart meter? Surely you were using the same amount of energy before it was installed?

^ this.

Have you checked its working properly.

[AlphaBravo]

How do you owe them £1000 from using a smart meter? Surely you were using the same amount of energy before it was installed?

[malificent7]

Also..the waiting on the phone makes me think I am not the only one! Our country is swimming in debt!!