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Hi,
I moved into a new residential property in March 2012. The property was previously a commercial property - offices.
Upon moving into the property I contacted British Gas and notified the business department (who were the Gas suppliers) that the property was now residential and I provided a meter reading.
My Landlord had also contacted British Gas and notified them of the change in property use.
I did not receive a bill from British Gas Business and my residential bill started 5 months later. I queried this with British Gas and was told the 5 months use would be added to my next bill. As far as i'm aware it never was.
I received a 'final demand' from British Gas Business in August 2013 for £565. I called them (during office hours as the close at 5pm) and made a complaint. I stated the property is not a business, I'm not a business.
They upheld my complaint and reduced the amount owed to £255 as I was charged 'business rates' on the £565 bill. I stated I would pay this at the end of the month. Before the end of the month came I recieved a letter from a DCA requesting immediate payment of £635.
I called them and told them the above and left it with them to return it to British Gas. However, the DCA continued to call me at work and on my mobile requesting payment.
I have now issued British Gas business with an invoice of £450 for my time. I have spend approximately 3 hours, during office hours, trying to sort this problem. I'm a Financial Adviser and charge clients £150 p/h.
I've not had a reply from British Gas Business, but I've not had a request to pay their bill either.
What I would like clarifying is:
As i'm an individual, not a business, can British Gas Business pursue me for the debt?
Any help would be appreciated...
I moved into a new residential property in March 2012. The property was previously a commercial property - offices.
Upon moving into the property I contacted British Gas and notified the business department (who were the Gas suppliers) that the property was now residential and I provided a meter reading.
My Landlord had also contacted British Gas and notified them of the change in property use.
I did not receive a bill from British Gas Business and my residential bill started 5 months later. I queried this with British Gas and was told the 5 months use would be added to my next bill. As far as i'm aware it never was.
I received a 'final demand' from British Gas Business in August 2013 for £565. I called them (during office hours as the close at 5pm) and made a complaint. I stated the property is not a business, I'm not a business.
They upheld my complaint and reduced the amount owed to £255 as I was charged 'business rates' on the £565 bill. I stated I would pay this at the end of the month. Before the end of the month came I recieved a letter from a DCA requesting immediate payment of £635.
I called them and told them the above and left it with them to return it to British Gas. However, the DCA continued to call me at work and on my mobile requesting payment.
I have now issued British Gas business with an invoice of £450 for my time. I have spend approximately 3 hours, during office hours, trying to sort this problem. I'm a Financial Adviser and charge clients £150 p/h.
I've not had a reply from British Gas Business, but I've not had a request to pay their bill either.
What I would like clarifying is:
As i'm an individual, not a business, can British Gas Business pursue me for the debt?
Any help would be appreciated...
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