Utilities/mobile phones

[cr15py]

Just a couple of quick queries.

If you pay by direct debit for your electric, gas, council tax, water rates, insurance, telephone, etc are you technically receiving credit? Is this permitted under an IVA? Similarly, will problems be encountered by changing suppliers, etc?

With mobile phones on contract, again there is an element of credit here too - are these permitted under an IVA? What about when the contract is up for renewal, is there a further credit check performed, would this cause problems?

These both apply to me, and I would think they apply to most people, so I was just wondering if there was a general rule/accepted practice regarding these[?][?]

[louisa.s]

Hi there,

As far as I aware you are not receiving credit for your utilities, insurance etc as you are paying for it generally in advance and if not you are paying for it as you go

We changed gas/electric suppliers a couple of months into our IVA with no problems at all. I also upgraded my mobile this year but stuck with the same company as it was easier but again no problems as I was a previous customer! But if you think you will have problems you can always just get a sim card and purchase a PAYG phone & if you go orange you can treat yourselves on Wednesday and get a BOGOF cinema ticket!

[cul8tr]

If you stick with your current mobile provider - it shouldn't be a problem, however if you try to change operators - this may be problematic.

The only supplier I had problems with was BT, who refused to install broadband when I moved, would only allow dial up facility (pay as you go thing). Gas/Electric were all fine.

[cr15py]

Thanks both - it was just something I couldn't quite get my head round!! Mind you, there are quite a few things my head doesn't get round, but that's another story!!

[whichwaynow]

Mobile phone providers have various credit checks. Some harder then others. If you fail with one company you can always try another. I tried to get a contract with O2 directly and failed however I went in to my local CPW store and passed the credit check.
For any one who wants broadband but does not want to be tied in to a long contract(or credit checked) there are many small ISPs out there who do monthly contracts and provide a much better service then the big boys.

[wen]

Mobile phone providers have various credit checks. Some harder then others. If you fail with one company you can always try another. I tried to get a contract with O2 directly and failed however I went in to my local CPW store and passed the credit check.
For any one who wants broadband but does not want to be tied in to a long contract(or credit checked) there are many small ISPs out there who do monthly contracts and provide a much better service then the big boys.

That's interesting... I am currently about 8 months through a 12month contract with BT Broadband. I am shortly to go bankrupt, so will the OR contact BT and terminate my contract?

Which are the small ISPs that you are talking about, as i'm fed up with BT anyway, so was looking for a change at the end of the 12 months [:(!]

[Adam Davies]

Hi
All IVA proposals should carry the following statement,or similar
"I will need to obtain reasonable credit facilities for essential household services such as gas,electricity,water and phone but otherwise do not intend to obtain any credit facilities without seeking the permission of the supervisor"
Regards

Andy Davie
IVA.co.uk Spokesperson

About me:
http://www.iva.co.uk/andy_davie_profile.asp

IVA Helpline: 0800 197 4838
http://www.iva.co.uk/iva_helpline.asp

[Skipper]

Ultility firms and mobile providers you are currently signed up with would not know you are on an IVA.If you tell them there might be problems.Some see IVA/BR as the same. But why tell them. If you switch providers they could credit check,and it doesn't mean a refusal. For BR - ultility supplier might ask for deposites and even cancel mobile contracts if they know. One person posted here I recalled from a search of the forum under 'mobile' and told them he was BR and they did cancel his contract.

<<My motto:I am proud of black culture and is against racist bigotry>

[iva experts]

In regards to mobile phone bills, utility bill, council tax etc, ultimately you are paying your bills because you have received a service - so I cant imagine that this would be viewed as credit. [:D]

Best Regards,
IVA Experts
http://www.iva-experts.co.uk/