Sample case studies relating to household bills that we have dealt with at East Staffordshire CAB
Sample Case Studies are provided here for guidance purposes only. They should not be taken as the answer to your specific problem. We shall be including more case studies each month, if you do not see something that helps with your situation do not hesitate to obtain advice from your local CAB office.
Click on a question below to view the advice given.
I'm on a low income, and with the recent big increases in fuel prices, I'm really worried that I'm not going to be able to afford my gas and electricity bills this winter.
My bills got a bit out of hand in the last few months and my finances are in a bit of a mess as a result. I started getting calls from debt collectors about my credit card, so I paid that, but it meant I missed a mortgage payment instead. The way things are going it looks like I'm not going to be able to pay this month either.
I've just received my phone bill for over £1000 this month. Normally it's under £25. It looks as though the large amount comes from Premium Rate calls made over two or three days. I did make some calls to a quiz show, but I find it hard to believe that it could be that amount. What can I do?
Q I'm on a low income, and with the recent big increases in fuel prices, I'm really worried that I'm not going to be able to afford my gas and electricity bills this winter.
A Don't turn off your heating or self-disconnect and be cold - contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau to talk about other options. if you are a pensioner, you are entitled to the winter fuel payment on top of your pension. You may qualify for some extra help such as cold weather payments depending on your circumstances. Even if you're not eligible for any extra help of this kind, there may be ways to cut down on your costs by switching your gas and electricity suppliers, paying by direct debit or getting advice on fuel efficiency, including help with the costs of home improvements like insulation, a new boiler or double glazing. A CAB adviser can also check to make sure that you are getting all you are entitled to by way of benefits and tax credits.
For more information, and to find contact details of your nearest CAB, go to www.adviceguide.org.uk
Back to top
Q My bills got a bit out of hand in the last few months and my finances are in a bit of a mess as a result. I started getting calls from debt collectors about my credit card, so I paid that, but it meant I missed a mortgage payment instead. The way things are going it looks like I'm not going to be able to pay this month either.
A When debts start to mount up it's easy to be paniked into paying the creditors who shout loudest first, but you must make mortgage payments your top priority - you could lose your home if you don't pay. You only need to miss two or three payments before the lender takes you to court and you are at risk of repossession.
Always let your mortgage lender know if you're having problems - don't stop paying or miss payments. But if you do start to fall behind with mortgage payments, it's time to get free, independent advice as soon as possible. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (See www.adviceguide.org.uk or your local phone book for details) or phone National Debtline on 08088084000
Never ignore court papers and court hearings - do attend court, but get advice first.
If you're suddenly out of work or unable to work because of illness or injury, check for any payment protection insurance you may have.
Your local CAB can help you sort out your debt problems, negotiate with creditors, and check for any additional income you may be due such as tax rebates, benefits or tax credits. they can also help you get back on track by taking a long hard look at what you have coming in and going out, and helping you make sure that in future you take control of your finances rather than letting them take control of you.
Back to top
Q I've just received my phone bill for over £1000 this month. Normally it's under £25. It looks as though the large amount comes from Premium Rate calls made over two or three days. I did make some calls to a quiz show, but I find it hard to believe that it could be that amount. What can I do?
A Premium Rate calls cost more than ordinary phone calls, and rates for calls from mobile phones, telephone boxes and hotel rooms can be higher still. Charges for calls from an ordinary domestic phone must be shown in the advert for the service. So you should check carefully how much a call is going to cost before you make it.
However, it should also be made clear that some quiz shows charge even for unsuccessful calls, for example you may get a recorded message saying the line is busy and yet you will be charged premium rate for this. If you continue to redial and never get through the amount you pay will soon start mounting up, so beware. The same may happen when you buy goods from television, often they use a premium rate number, which can be £1.50 per call. the information about the charges might only be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Citizens Advice is very concerned that some people may not be given enough warning about charges.
If you need more information about premium rate phone calls visit ICSTIS ( the premium service regulator) for further advice or to make a complaint.
Back to top
|
