Hi leeanne
Thankyou so much for your post. Unfortunately I didn't cancel within the first 30 days, so guess I've got no chance then. :evil: As for the bit about paying my bills on time, I have always not been able to pay within the month of receiving them or whatever, so for the last 3 payments, BT have let me pay so much a fortnight, and then my bill is always paid up just before the next one comes in. This time however, (the bill is around £50 more), they are saying that I cannot do it.
Has your company had dealings with Trading Standards? Speaking of which, I am going to ring them today as they haven't got back to me! Also, if my line is restricted to incoming calls only, and as I shall still be paying for Broadband, (as they won't let me out of the contract), would I still be able to use Broadband? I can't see how, if incoming calls only.
Thankyou again.
Hope you are keeping well, take care
Alison
x :)
Broadband works differently to analogy phone signals and BT are quite capable of stopping one and letting the other carry on (and charging you for the pleasure too)(you're having difficulty paying your bill so we are going to charge you for cutting you off and then charge you for reconnecting, despite the fact it only takes about two seconds of our time)
If they are restricting you to incoming calls only but letting you still use broadband then get SKYPE!* then you can make calls, you can put credit on with papal I know and I'm sure they have other means of letting you put credit on, as they really do want your money, you just need a cheap headset something like this.
Also depending on what BT broadband you have you may have free evening calls to landlines via VOIP which you can access by using this, info here.
*You can talk to other people who have SKYPE completely free, they also have some [url=http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/subscriptions/?region=europe&cm_sp=sv|subscription-_-shop_index-_-Pick_subscription|en-us_GB]basic packages[/url] that cost a few quid that give you unlimited calls to most places too.
Hi, me again!!
Have just spoken to Trading Standards. The woman I have dealt with wasn't there, but someone else told me that the BT matter has been passed to someone else, and I should be receiving some forms through the post. This other person will then be acting on my behalf.
It shows how different companies are. I rang the gas company, (I pay them fortnightly too). I was getting myself in a panic with Christmas and stuff. I asked if they would accept lower payments until January. They looked through my account, and told me that I don't have to make any payment at all until January!! Everyone, I am so relieved with that. I can breathe a bit easier at least. I actually feel like a weight has been lifted. I just wish BT could be understanding, and I can't wait for the day that I can get rid of them once and for all. For such a large, well-known company, they are cack. Never in a million years would I return to them.
Take care all,
Alison
x :)
Hi alisoncam
So the BT saga rumbles on.....that's fantastic news about the gas though, :D which company are you with?
Hi Louise
The gas company is NPower, and I have to say, they have always been brilliant. I was with British Gas, and they were a lot dearer, so I changed about 3 years ago.
Hi Bubblegum
Wow, you're a mine of information just like Louise ;) Thankyou so much for all of that. I shall sift through your info in a minute.
Hope it's not too windy in Wales. Bit blowy here, but better than yesterday.
Take care
Alison
x :)
I'm relieved that things are on hold until January. Hopefully TS will be doing their bit by then.
Bubblegum, you really do post brilliant info.
Hi jeansmith!
That is very helpful thank you!
Hi everyone, I would just like to introduce Jean Smith from SCOOP Aid (Sheffield Committee of One Parents),a Sheffield based charity with strong grass roots links and over 30 years experience of delivering advice, information, support and training for lone parents. Scoop Aid Advisors provide confidential 1-2-1 e-mail support on our Money Survival Kit.http://recession.onespace.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=57
Hello Jean and great to have you here! :D
Hi all
Well, I have just received a call from Trading Standards. No help for me at all, I really and truely might just as well have taken on the case myself. BT won't let me out of my contracts, unless i pay them £60, (as contract doesn't finish til August), and £100 for Broadband which doesn't run out until 2011. Plus of course the rest of the money that I still owe which is roughly £100. Is this woman in Trading Standards even listening or reading anything???? Told her to get in touch with BT and ask why my incoming calls have been cut since New Year, and to tell them I won't be paying for the time that I haven't had that line! Also said that if she rings them today, could she ask if I could swap my package, (bearing in mind, she was supposed to have done all of this when I last spoke to her Christmas week)
Does anyone have a ciggie they can go throw me???????? Actually, make that a cigar :lol: :lol:
Maybe I'm dealing with a blinking rookie or something at TS. Anyhow, right now, I'm not a happy bunny, and I've got completely no-where.
Does anyone know where I can get a rich sugar Daddy maybe??? I'm not choosy, don't care if he bald or not, etc, etc. Preferably old, won't say reasons why :lol: :lol:
Off to pick my son up. Going to take him to a cafe, as my treat for the day, and treat us to a cheap meal. Checked out prices this morning, and both can be done for about £6.
Now, this could of course be given to BT, but I am going to eat their 'mis-advised words', and hopefully not choke :lol: Anyhow, they have had money this week, so they can blinking jump!!!
Take care
Alison
x :)
Hi all
Firstly, welcome to Jean, (sorry, not done that earlier Jean)
A little bit more info from Trading Standards. Rang me just as I was leaving for the school! BT have now told her that they will put me back on my original package, and my phone line will be up and running within 24 hours. (heard that one before, so won't hold my breath just yet) ;) They also said I can repay £24 a month until I'm up to date!!!! Bit of a laugh really when they know full well that I've been paying way over that anyway.
It would have been so so easier had BT allowed all of this in the beginning :evil:
I take back what I said earlier about this woman at Trading Standards, but I do feel she needs to be more assertive in her job!
Took my son for a meal, and it was deeeeeeeliciousssssssss. I had steak, chips, peas, and he had cheeseburger, chips and a strawberry milkshake. Went over what I said it would cost before, but I dont care. Not one cig has passed my lips today, (plenty of sweets though, my jaws are beginning to ache a bit) :lol: At this rate, I'll be a non-smoker with false teeth :o
Take care and have a lovely evening everyone
Alison
x :)
Hi Alison
How are you feeling now? What a ruddy palava, and I'm so sorry you've been through all this stress to get this far.
Swines. Each BT ad I see I think of you - and I tell anyone who happens to be around at the time how they misold the package to you.
I'm so glad you had your treat and enjoyed it. It's so nice when someone cooks for you.
xxx
Hiya
My phone line was re-connected an hour ago, Yeahhhhhh. First call was about my heating. It has been playing up since before Christmas, so I fiddle around with it. Sometimes I'm lucky, and it works, other times, not. They asked if I could wait about a week. NO! I have no other form of heating. Within an hour, I have someone working on it. Turns out it is a few things, pump, the dial, and something in the airing cupboard.
Now, I'm asking myself seriously, 'Is this going to be my year or not?'. I think the answer is clearly a big No.
Roll on 2011 :lol: :lol: :lol:
Hi Sparkling
I am now looking around for another company, but of course before that, I need to pay the dreaded BT. I rang them today, to double check what the Trading standards woman had said. Lovely man (for once), told me that the contract for the packages has been cancelled (whoopee). Broadband can't be cancelled :cry: He also said, that as of yesterday, my last bill has been suspended. I nearly wet myself with excitement as I thought they were writing it off, but no unfortunately, it means that they are leaving me alone and not hassling for me to pay up immediately. Can't win them all eh?
Hope you're ok, not seen you around today
Take care
Alison
x :)
Daughter's been using the computer today, so I sat in the living room and read. That was after taking down the decorations. What hassle that was trying to get these children to keep them :lol: Well I couldn't get over the glacier that seems to have formed across out estate.
I'm definitely house-bound at the mo. Even if I could get to the car, people can't get their cars up the hill off the estate! Must email the housing association to come and grit.
Scouts tomorrow, so I must compose a letter or two tomrrow.
Hi
I have friends two children here, one is in my son's class, and the other is just 14. Bit of trouble here this morning, the 14 year old walked out, after her shouting and screaming at the younger ones, hitting her sister, and then me ranting that I'm actually the one in charge, that it is my home, and I do the telling off! So, off she stormed, I was still in dressing gown, so I texted her mother (at work). Received text back to say that she was in big trouble when she returned. 14 year old came back, and under her Mothers instructions, told her she could go home, (she has the key). Bugger me, she said she would stay!!!! Have to say, she is very hard work, she has ADHD, and I guess I'm not used to it at all. On the other hand, like her Mother says, we can't keep blaming the condition, some of it is just naughtiness.
All quiet on the western front, they are watching Simpsons movie, and eating! Just managed to grab the computer before I do dishes. Toilet has frozen I think, so loft door open. Keep filling up the cistern, (had this problem few weeks back), this time though, nothing seems to be working!!!
Do you all see about it not being my year????
Keep warm everyone, and stay safe
Take care
Alison
x :)
Hi lindsay
Good news that my line has been put back on, I've now got contact with the outside world!!! Heating is up and running ok now, but the toilet is still not. I'm still pouring water into the cistern in order for it just to flush! Left the heating on all night, and the loft door open, (have to say, I was really nervous with that, and kept imagining rats appearing) :lol:
How's everything with you? Hope you're managing to keep warm!!!
Take care
Alison
x :)
Hi lindsay
The radiators should have dials of some sort on, to enable you to control the temp.
Does your son not sleep the night because he is cold, teething, or ?????
Toilet is sorted, it was frozen, but corrected itself yesterday. Taking the loft door off might have helped, (don't know). Woke up this morning to puddle in kitchen. :o Now I have a little leak coming from the boiler, happened last year too, so I've a bucket there to catch it. I hate 2010 already, really I do!!!!
Read the next post, and you'll understand why!
Keep warm, and take care
Alison
x :)
Hi all
BT AGAIN. Received letter this morning, telling me it is a Termination Notice. Outstanding balance of £86 has to be paid by 15th Jan or contract will be terminated. Also says, (which I'm bit confused about) As part of our contractual agreement for the provision of telephone service, you will remain liable for the line rental until your BT contract is formally terminated. This could also result in you being charged for the full term of your rental agreement for all your services and the loss of your telephone number. What does all that mean? If I pay, (which I can't) the full amount, do I still have to pay them the other money for contract terms?
I thought this was all sorted in the week, (previous posts). I rang BT straight away, and asked how they can say something one minute and then decide something totally different the next. They had told me and Trading Standards that as long as I pay £24 a month, then I was ok. Now, this idiotic man this morning is telling me that the bill should have been paid in October, (like I didn't bloody know), and that I've had plenty of time to pay. I asked for a supervisor to ring me, as no-one it seems knows what they are talking about. He said no supervisor works on a Saturday. What a load of b..... I have spoken to one before, unless of course that was a lie.
I ended up putting the phone down on him, and stood in the bloody puddle in my kitchen, and let one loud scream out. I am so frustrated, angry, and again really upset. I could sit and cry. I don't know what to do. I will of course speak to TS again on Monday, and send an e.mail today, but I don't think she is doing anything really, and BT certainly aren't listening to her.
And, I've had cigs. Total loser
Thanks Bec
Everything seems like it is falling apart for me today. I was mopping up the water in the kitchen, (in pj's) when downstairs knocked at door. I thought the water must be leaking into his kitchen, but no, it was the overflow from the toilet. (thought that problem had been sorted). He looked at it, and fingers crossed, that is fixed.
I have e.mailed Trading Standards, and just e.mailed BT complaints. Hopefully, they will e.mail me back.
How are you Bec. Hope you survived the week ok at the school. (am sure you did), snow permitting of course. You're doing really well, and your son is going to be so proud of you, :)
At the moment, today in particular, my son is seeing a grouchy old bag, who is forever moaning. :lol:
Take care
Alison
x :)
Hi Claire-Louise
The date on the letter is the 5th, so it was the same day that Trading Standards woman phoned them. I've not heard back from BT today, haven't replied to e.mail, or phoned me. Can't be because it is a weekend, as they rang me before, (complaints dept), and that was a Sunday. This is wierd really, but just checked e.mails, and went to look at the one I sent to BT this afternoon. Any other e.mails I send are automatically stored until I delete them, but ones sent to BT mysteriously vanish. How strange is that???? I guess BT don't want any evidence of anything, so delete things from customers!!!! Surely this isn't legal?
Are you managing to keep warm C-L? Having to keep my heating on all day, will have to worry about that bill when it arrives!
Had son in tears today about the broadband thing. (I'm assuming that is going to be cut too, though it wasn't New years Eve). He loves being on the internet, so he's really upset. Asked if the neighbour had a computer that maybe he'd be allowed to use!!!!
:) (though I'm not doing much of that today.
Words fail me. They really do.
I feel that writing a letter to BT 'to confirm repayment plan that was agreed over the phone' and quote their figures. You could even say that you're assuming the letter dated the 5th was written before this was agreed with TS...
Just thoughts.
I've bought a lottery ticket Alison. Just cross fingers.
xxxx
hello alisoncam
What a week you have had, I turn my back for five minutes and look what happens!
Right: let's look at what's been going on. You have had a succession of domestic horrors with the frozen loo and the temperamental heating and the puddle from the boiler, and the rotten weather means that you, like all of us, are stuck in at home. I would have screamed even WITHOUT the BT thing!
I totally agree with Claire-Louise that this letter was written before the phone call, these letters take days to be generated and posted. The wording you quoted is ridiculous and implies to me that if you don't pay the bill, although they terminate the contract, you can be liable for line rental. But hang on, there WOULD be no contract if they'd terminated it. :shock:
You have done what you can do and will have to wait for a response to the emails. Could you print out the emails you send to BT before you send them? (even if you have to copy them into Word?)
I think we should all have a communal scream in support of you alisoncam. Here's mine: AAAAAAAAAAGH!
Hi Louise
The scream has to be louder, :lol: :lol: Great to have you back. Hope you had a great hol.
BT have just rung. I won't even bore you lot with what has been said, because it's the same thing time and time again. What she said after the usual 'you haven't paid the bill' was, we haven't sent a letter of Termination! I then said, 'well unless BT have sent me scatty, then I am in fact holding the letter in my hand'. This she said is a standard letter, and I should ignore it. (How was I supposed to know that). She cannot see anything on screen that was agreed last week between TS, plus me, and said the £84 has to be paid by the 16th Jan. I explained about benefits, and my next 'pay' day is 18th Jan, so I didn't have any money to pay anything toward it, and no way could I pay it in one go. (This went totally over her head, and she just kept repeating herself, so I did exactly the same)Eventually, it got through to her. I have agreed to pay £40 on the 18th, and then the following fortnight. Bearing in mind of course my next bill will be arriving on the 18th or thereabouts.
I have asked that she e.mail me, as I want to send this to TS.
Somehow or other, I am going to get £164 together, and eventually I will pay to get out of my contracts. To go on to Talk Talk, I need to get rid of both contracts, as Talk Talk don't just do the phone line.
Sparkling, couldn't do lottery yesterday, the machine had packed in, something to do with snow :roll: . I got a scratchcard instead, but nowt. Good luck with your numbers, :)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I didn't win.
I'm sorry...
AGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I think - just my view point - you need to email TS telling them how you understood the repayment plan, and write it out for them. Ask them to forward this to BT... Don't give up hope - not yet. Don't blame you about wanting to pay it off though.
As I've said before, I'm sure BT catch many people with their sales pitch.
My hol was restful but cold. The boiler packed up, mended now thank heavens. We had 8 inches of snow so haven't been many places but the shops are nice and empty :)
Great idea about the email, sparkling lime, keep TS on the case, alisoncam. So you will still have to pay BT line rental and then the Talk Talk money on top of that?
Just forwarded the e.mail that BT sent me following our conversation this morning, to TS.
In all honesty, I wish I had gone straight to citizens advise, I don't feel TS have helped me in anyway. Just wonder though if CA would have either really. Maybe no-one can really win with BT. If I sound like I'm feeling sorry for myself, then it's because I am.
I spoke to my sister earlier, and we spoke about my cigs :o I think I've done quite well considering the week I've had, but she sort of put a dampers on it, by saying, 'well, you haven't given up'.
Tomorrow is another day.
Take care everyone, sorry for being such a bore with BT business. Far worse problems going on in the group, but it's been good to let off steam.
:)
Just forwarded the e.mail that BT sent me following our conversation this morning, to TS.
In all honesty, I wish I had gone straight to citizens advise, I don't feel TS have helped me in anyway. Just wonder though if CA would have either really. Maybe no-one can really win with BT. If I sound like I'm feeling sorry for myself, then it's because I am.
I spoke to my sister earlier, and we spoke about my cigs :o I think I've done quite well considering the week I've had, but she sort of put a dampers on it, by saying, 'well, you haven't given up'.
Tomorrow is another day.
Take care everyone, sorry for being such a bore with BT business. Far worse problems going on in the group, but it's been good to let off steam.
:)
The BT business is far from being boring. Sharing it, hopefully, means we can in some way support you. They are ratbags! I totally understand why you're feeling sorry for yourself, at the end of the day, you know you're right.
I think you're doing superbly with the cigs, I really do. Sisters - what do they know?!
Hi Louise
Guess it wasn't our week for the boilers eh?
The boiler packed up, mended now thank heavens.
Am glad your week was restful though, but glad to see you're back. It's so quiet when you're not around!!!!!
Hope you have a good day.
Take care
Alison
x :)
Hi Sparkling
How are you doing? How's your youngest dealing with the rabbit? I meant to post something on here yesterday, sorry! What I want to know is, did you join the PJ club????? I had one yesterday, and I'm betting Louise did too as it was Sunday !
As for the smoking, if I have even 3 a day (at the moment) then I give myself a pat on the back. C..... has given up biting his nails, and every now and again, he will catch me smoking. I will say, 'it is really really hard to give this up', and he'll reply, 'and do you know how especially hard it is to stop biting my nails?' :lol: Have to say, he is doing great, and I'm proud that at least one of us has stuck to it!!!!
Hope you are all ok. Is there school today?
Take care
Alison
x :)
hi alisoncam
I am following you round the boards at the moment!!
Oh yes yes our boilers, what can I say?......... :cry:
You're doing great if you have cut down the cigarettes that far, maybe set yourself a daily maximum? Having the first one as late as possible is certainly the best tip I have ever heard.
As sparkling lime says, the BT thing isn't boring.In fact it is astounding how much you have been messed around :shock:
Hi lindsay
I've now got it down to £84, but any day now, the next quarter one is going to land on the doorstep!
I've forgotten, how much do you actually 'owe' BT - in their minds?
In order to finish with them completely, then they want £164 plus of course my bills.
One day, One day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Claire-Louise
I now have an e.mail (sent on Sunday), which has someone's FULL name on it, plus the department. I'll let you know if I have any joy in contacting her should I need too. (lets hope not eh). I am very disheartened with Trading Standards. This woman hasn't even had the courtesy to e.mail me or ring me with regards to the weekends events! Knowing my luck, I was probably chatting to the blinking cleaner anyway :lol:
I hope you and the children are still enjoying the snow! We've had loads more here, just can't see an end to it :(
Take care
Alison
x :)
Hi catarratto
Oh to win the lottery!!
Oh to have a £1 to do it even!!!! :lol: :lol:
Sorry to hear about your car. I hope you manage to sort something out. I don't drive, and I guess now it is a good thing, as I'd never have managed to keep it! Thankgod for buses :lol: :lol: