Disappointing that one creditor have asked you to extend your payments for six months, just beacuse your children's school meals are more expensive than the ridiculous industry guidelines.
Did your IP put up a robust fight for you on this point?
Ridiculous isn't it? Have they never had any other posters with twins or more than the average 2.4 children in school?
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I think they did put up a fight, although obviously I don't know how robust a fight it was, but egg decided they wanted to dig their heals in, the six additional months was our counter offer as they originally wanted to decrease the budget by £50 per month, that would have meant only feeding one of the twins, and last time i checked thats classed as child abuse.
It is ridiculous that organisations refuse to flex in things when there is a good reason.
I was happy to offer the extra six months in the end, especially if it meant keeping the well planned budget in tact, we have spent a LOT of time over the last few months (for the first time in a long long time) working out what we spend, and what we need to ensure we don't get into trouble so that the IVA has a good chance of successfully concluding, so this was my main priority as without a realistic budget its not really worth pursuing.
I have found Twins and multiple births do tend to get forgotten about in most peoples calculations, even things like child allowance etc is all geared towards singleton births, for example when the twins were first born only one of them got the higher (1st year) rate.
Were looking forward to five and half years of stability now, i know theres likely to be a some bumps in the road to come, but as long as i've still got this forum and the wonderful people that post i'm pretty sure we will get through it.
The silly thing is that the arrangements are supposed to be individual!
We all have different personal circumstances, and these should be taken into consideration, shouldn't matter how many kids you have.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Im really worried now after reading what you said about the Halifax, Diddy. My creditors meeting is set for next week. The IVA is in my name, as there isnt enough debts in my husbands name alone. One of my creditors is the Halifax, and my IP did say that some creditors request you to say you are actively looking for work. Im a mum of 3 (hence the username, lol) and a full time carer for my daughter for whom I get carers allowance and dla. I did mention this to my IP, who said that because my daughter will be finishing school in the summer that I am no longer classed as a full time carer (god knows how they came to that conclusion) and I can be available for work. I hope to god that the Halifax dont want it as a clause that I have to work, because we would be in a worse situation than before, as we get tax credits for the children, it would only get taken off if I worked, which I cant anyway because I have to be available for my daughter.
Hope this makes sense and I am so glad it was successful for you x
Hi mumofthree, try not to worry (i know this is hypocritical of me, especially when you read back to the beginning of the post) but it does go to show how much better i feel already.
I dont know if this a standard type modification Halifax are asking for at the moment (similar to the Northern Rock 6th Year) or if it was just due to the combination of their predicted dividend. Maybe an expert can shad some light?
If one of your creditors insists on a clause along these lines, i would ask your IP to resist against it or make sure that its worded that you wont be penalised if you cant find appropriate work. I'd also makes sure that Appropriate was clearly defined as well, there is absolutely no point seeking work that will leave you and your family worse off. If its written correctly then you would only be penalised if you turned down a job that would have been of benefit to you in that you would have had more money for the IVA after taking into account loss of benefits and the increased expenditure for you to get someone else to care for your daughter.
Of course i'm no expert and i dont know just how feasible it is to argue these kind of things during a meeting.
It does seem a ridiculous clause for creditors to try and put in, especially in the current climate and given your circumstances, as i said I would have had to think really hard about accepting an IVA with that clause in unless it was very clearly worded and i understood exactly how it would be enforced and what penalties there would be we failed to meet the clause.
I'm sure as long as its been explained to the creditors why you are unable to seek work this wont be a problem, but try and have a chat with your IP before hand. All the best for your creditors meeting by the way. do let us know how you get on. It will get easier and then you will wonder why you fretted so much.
Thanks Diddy. I will probably have to go to work when the children finish their education, but that will be in 5 years time. But at the moment I am a full time carer and receive the tax credits to pointless me going to work! I have noted what you have said and thank you for your help! And will let you know of my outcome on the 26th Feb!
