Shit load of debt - AIBU to think this can be sorted?

[justthesky]

Surely?

The total is about £5000 which probably doesn’t sound too bad, but the issue is that it is priority bills I’ve fallen behind on and the companies aren’t prepared to wait, so huge interest charges are being added on top of the original debt.

I’ve contacted CAB who have just told me not to open the doors and to park cars away from the house.

Does anybody have any suggestions, at all?

Do you live on your own, if so do you get the single person council tax discount.

I agree with everyone saying contact StepChange, they helped us out of a huge hole worse than £5000 and we paid it all back over many years.

I also agree Council Tax is your priority bill along with rent, have you spoken to the Council Tax office about paying off in instalments? Or is that the bill that has gone to the bailiffs? Get advice on

www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/council-tax-recovery/counciltaxdebt.aspx

Thanks Gloria and I’m NOT asking for money. I feel pretty alone with all this and especially at Christmas as well.

Are you renting or do you own your own home?

How are your monthly payments doing for that?

Why?

Have you got money coming in? Do you have dependents? All this makes a difference too.

Read online how to manage each type of debt and then phone each company. Do one a day if you are overwhelmed. Water may well accept a minimal payment plan because they can't cut off your water I don't think- so get on the phone to them, explain the situation and make an offer of payment.

Council tax is more complex if it has gone to the bailiffs, but the council may take it back if you offer regular payment, I have had a company rescind the bailiffs and put me back on a plan before, it's worth a try/ Even bailiffs will take a plan rather than nothing unless you have a lot of goods around you.

It is not actually bad advice from the CAB to deal with the bailiff problem as they have fewer powers I think if they have not entered the property before. It doesn't solve your longer term issues with money and debt, but knowing you don't have to let them in may buy you some time. You can contact bailiffs usually to offer a plan rather than wait for them to turn up, you can also offer a plan if they turn up and get in.

People are trying to help!

Problem with the water is it might result in a CCJ if I don’t sort it and I really can’t afford one of those. I’ve tried to speak with the bailiffs but I ended up having to put the phone down as they just kept saying I needed to pay it within 24 hours or they would return to recover goods.

I know georgie, why?

You have to pay something towards your bills to stop the bailiffs.
I paid £2. A month to each utility bill and paid my mortgage in full when I was in your situation.
Then when I had enough money coming in I contacted each company one at a time and arranged a payment plan.
If I couldn't meet their payment plan idea (one suggested I pay half the year's bill in one month?!) I told them no and to make a realistic suggestion.
Don't let them push you around, they don't care for your happiness and just want some money. Give them ONLY what you can realistically afford each month.

Well yes, that is often the end result.

How have you fallen into arrears?

Have you spoken to the companies?

What have you done so far to sort this?

Step Change are really good to talk to.

It's really hard being in debt - but they are helpful and they do listen.

Join this group on facebook OP. They're incredibly helpful.

Are you asking me why people are trying to help you?

hey would return to recover goods

I am sure you are aware of the goods they can and cannot take. Unfortunately sometimes you need to provide proof that something is yours or else they will take it - the bailiff industry does have a crap reputation.

It's really worrying in this situation - but the best advice is to engage with creditors. I work with colleagues who deal with people in debt - and that's the best advice.

Engage with creditors and seek professional advice.

Do you have anyone living with you, a partner or adult DC, do they pay towards the bills. If you have a spare room could you rent it to a lodger,

OP have you actually spoken to the council / water board?

Water isn’t a priority debt anymore. The council tax is the most important, followed by utilities.

I echo Stepchange.
they are great

Yes I’ve spoken to both, water slightly more reasonable but the worry with them is a CCJ. Council won’t talk to me as it’s with the bailiffs and the bailiffs weren’t prepared to negotiate.

it can be sorted op.
take advice

What answers are you looking for?

Are you renting or do you own your own home?

How are your monthly payments doing for that?

Because the options might be different if you have a mortgage. Because if you are behind on mortgage/rent as well then your answers might change.

Well if I knew that I wouldn’t be posting, would I, Indecent?

Let me put your mind at rest - not money from lovely kind Mumsnetters. Seriously. I fucking hate the way some trolls have made people think any cash thread is people begging. I’m not. And if anyone DOES offer (they won’t) then I will reply politely and suggest they donate to their local food bank or similar.

If you have cars (plural?) or even just the one then I'd sell it to pay off the debt. It may be extremely inconvenient temporarily but it will be a damn sight more convenient than letting the debt increase (which it will now it's been passed to bailiffs) and ending up in court or gaol.