Statutory Demand - rant

[Julie]

I received a statutory demand yesterday - for one of my debts, £2k not included in my hubby's IVA. I received this despite trying to make agreements on repayment, via emails, letters etc. I accept I have missed 2 payments in the past, but I was outraged at receiving this demand, especially as they took £40 off me last week!

Anyway, I phoned the company yesterday evening and was spoken to like a 2 year old ( no offence to children). It was so frustrating, they're only response was "they wanted the full £2k or they would bankrupt me"!!

I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere so I ended the call and phoned back this morning. To cut it short, I again told them about the IVA and my debts are budgeted for so I cannot increase the amounts. I invited them to take me to court, so I can have my say in front of a judge - I want to pay the whole amount as in accordance with my budget. I threw in a few things about an IVA, that I have learnt from here and lo and behold - my proposal has been accepted and the first payment is in June!

So, thanks to this forum I have gained knowledge and confidence. I'll never be bullied by debt collectors again! I can't wait to be debt free.[;)]

Rant over x

[chris.g]

Julie, have you contacted your ip? They surely should be the one's dealing with this and negotiating with your creditors?? Is this not why they charge their fees??
Good luck,
xx

[Julie]

The IVA is in my hubby name only - my debts or rather the ones in my name only, were so small they couldn't be included. However as my salary and expenditure had to be taken into consideration, I had to put down an amount for repaying my debts. the £40 a month was agreed, but because I defaulted they took this route straight away. I know I was wrong to default - but I did write letters /emails straight away to let them know why. Sometimes I wonder what it must be like to be as perfect as these "debt collectors" eh? :}

[chris.g]

Oh, I didn't realise.
What about trying to get the CAB involved? They may be able to help you out on this one. I only say this as i had tried for months to get my creditors to accept £1 token payment and they all refused.... CAB wrote to them and they all agreed. I know you have defaulted but if CAB can put your case and explain why you missed 2 payments, your creditors may back down on the br issue. Gotta be worth a try....
Good luck
xx

[Julie]

They've now agreed to resume the £40 a month after my phone call this morning, so hopefully that will be the end of the bullying demands.

I'll definitely stick to it and when my other 2 debts are cleared in 3 months time, I'll increase the payments on this to get it out of the way. These companies don't realise, we want to clear our debts not get away with it. I told them by entering into an IVA it shows we are facing up to our debts in a responsible manner - I also said he should count himself lucky I don't want to go BR as he'd end up with a lot less after all if they can be patient they'll get the full amount back. That made him take me serious!! How come it all seems so logical to us eh.

I'm so glad for the info I've gleamed form this forum.

[chris.g]

That's good news Julie, at least they saw sense. It's unfair that creditors always tend to have 'little Hitler's' who deem themselves superior enough to look down on people in debt and dole out threats of br/court.
Not long until you can afford to pay more off, get it paid back quicker, then you can forget all about them.
xx

[Viki.W]

Well done Julie, it's good to know that this forum helped in some way, stay strong, I'm a bit of a wimp, I hope I can sort everyone out too![:I] Viki X

[Julie]

Vicki - its amazing how strong and forthright you can be with that little bit of added knowledge. I'm determined not to get bullied again - I know they're only trying to do a job, but I wonder how many of these people are living off credit cards eh? Hopefully they'll never have to endure the letters and calls like we have.

Thanks for everyone's support.

[pixie]

Well done Julie, with knowledge comes power!

[Oliver]

Well done Julie, . "half the loaf of bread is better than none". They must have relised this!!

[Julie]

You'd think they'd realise half is better than nothing - or even a little patience will get them everything! I think some of them really enjoy the feeling of "power" over those in debt.