British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

[JudgeDreddy]

We have an outstanding amount (less than 160) to BG that I've been paying off at £20+ a week. After BG failed to call us back as agreed my wife spoke to a manager who apologised and put our account on hold for 40 days as they can see the regular payments, that actually exceed the amount BG wanted to take by DD. (I don't do DD). Now we've had contact from BCW for an amount of £185 despite the actual amount being £159. They are "offering" us repayment options of PAYG Meter or Direct Debit including a couple that don't concern us.
Why should I pay them when I am making visible and traceable payment direct to British Gas, via Debit Card, through their own App on my phone!?!

[Undercover Elsa]

Re: British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

Hi JD,
Have they added their own cut?
Are you still within the 40 day hold period?

Elsa x

[JudgeDreddy]

Re: British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

Hi JD,
Have they added their own cut?
Are you still within the 40 day hold period?

Elsa x

Hi Elsa,

I don't think so, the amount tallies up with balance about a payment ago.
The hold period was stated on the 7th June so well within it, 9 days is also to far to use the "pass in post" excuse also.

[Undercover Elsa]

Re: British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

Sounds as if the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing at British Gas, and that BCW aren't aware of the latest payment.

For clarity and proof I'd keep things in writing from now on.

If it was me I would write to British Gas saying how concerned you are to have received a letter from BCW before the 40 day hold on the account had expired, and when you have clearly been making the required £20 pw payments to British Gas. Ask that they confirm your arrangement with them in writing and say you would be grateful if they would instruct BCW that you are dealing directly with BG.

I'd also write to BCW, telling them that they have obviously contacted you in error as the account has currently been put on hold for 40 days by British Gas, with whom you are dealing directly and paying regularly.
Ask that they please refer back to their client before responding.



Elsa x

[JudgeDreddy]

Re: British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

Thanks Elsa, will get on with that when I wake up

[JudgeDreddy]

Re: British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

They've gone, i had to resist the urge to refer to incompetent call centre staff as "script monkeys"

[Pixie]

Re: British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

That's good

[JudgeDreddy]

Re: British Gas - Buchanan Clark & Wells

this is what i sent to BCW

"Dear Avarto/BCW

In reference to your letter dated 16/06.2015 on ref B****** it appears that you have not been informed by British Gas that an arrangement is in place and direct payments are sent to British Gas.

In addition the account is currently on hold.

Please refer back to British Gas before replying to this letter. Please note ALL communications must be in written form as it’s obvious the company you’re acting for have an issue with recording telephonic communications.

Yours sincerely"