Feefo

Frame 33492

Call free today

0161 660 0411

Feefo

Frame 33492

Service rating

999+ Reviews
Check Eligibility

Debt Collection

Dealing with debt can be overwhelming, but My Debt Plan is here to help. Our expert advice on debt collection helps you navigate the complexities of managing your finances. We offer personalized strategies to handle creditor calls, negotiate payment plans, and understand your rights. Whether you’re facing credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans, our tailored approach ensures you get back on track. With My Debt Plan, you’ll gain access to resources and support that alleviate stress and guide you towards financial freedom. Don’t let debt control your life—reach out to My Debt Plan for the help you need.

May not be suitable in all circumstances. Fees apply read more. Your credit rating may be affected, read more.

For free, independent advice, you should visit to Money Helper via their website.
For free, independent advice, you should visit to Money Helper via their website.

What happens if you miss a payment for a debt?

If you miss a payment for any debt, it’s crucial to address it promptly. Typically, companies will notify you of the missed payment and any associated charges. They may also inquire about the reason for the missed payment and offer assistance to facilitate easier repayment.

In instances of regular missed debt repayments, creditors may become less accommodating. They might intensify efforts to bring the account up to date or threaten further actions. This could entail defaulting the account or involving debt collection agencies, bailiffs, or initiating court proceedings, such as obtaining a County Court Judgment (CCJ).

What happens if you are missing debt repayments regularly?

Missed payments are recorded on your credit file, adversely affecting your credit score and future credit prospects. However, if your financial difficulties are temporary and you can address the arrears promptly, you may still be able to manage your debts effectively.

Companies you owe money to are entitled to take various actions to recover debts, including:

  • Chase the debt: Companies may contact you through letters or calls to negotiate a reasonable repayment arrangement.
  • Send debt collectors: Although lacking the powers of bailiffs, debt collectors may be employed to pursue payment more assertively.
  • Increase interest and charges: Failure to adhere to payment terms may result in additional charges and higher interest rates.
  • Default the agreement: Multiple missed payments could lead to default status, impacting your credit report for up to six years.
  • Pass the debt to a collection agency: Collection agencies may pursue debts more aggressively through letters, calls, or visits.
  • Apply for a County Court Judgment (CCJ): Creditors may seek legal recourse through the courts if debts remain unpaid.
  • Issue a statutory demand: This step precedes bankruptcy proceedings for debts exceeding £5,000.

It’s essential to understand your rights regarding debt and its repercussions. This awareness enables you to make informed decisions when dealing with debt collectors, bailiffs, or other legal actions.

What is a Debt Collection Agency?

If you find yourself unable to meet your debt obligations or have received repeated payment notices from creditors, it’s probable that you’ll soon be contacted by debt collectors.

Debt collection agencies, as their name implies, specialize in the retrieval of outstanding debts. In the UK, numerous debt collection agencies exist, some focusing on specific sectors or types of debt.

These agencies typically operate in one of two ways:

  • The original creditor retains ownership of the debt but engages the debt collection agency to recover it on their behalf. In return, the agency receives a percentage of the collected amount.
  • Alternatively, the original creditor may opt to sell the debt to the collection agency at a discounted rate, thereby transferring legal ownership of the debt to the agency.

Once a debt collector assumes responsibility for your debts, the original creditor ceases direct communication regarding payment. Henceforth, all correspondence regarding the debt will be conducted by the debt collector, who will actively pursue repayment.

The Debt Collection Process:

The approach and timeline of debt collection agencies can vary significantly. Each agency employs its own strategies for debt recovery, often imposing charges for missed payments and employing various methods to reclaim owed amounts.

Failure to meet payment obligations or fully repay a debt can adversely impact your credit score, reducing your future credit prospects.

Difference between a Bailiff and a Debt Collector:

  1. Bailiffs and debt collectors serve distinct roles in the debt recovery process.
  2. A bailiff, appointed by a court, is authorized to enforce debt repayment and may possess the power to seize and sell your assets or property to settle debts. There are various types of bailiffs, each appointed by different courts.
  3. In contrast, debt collectors lack legal powers. They operate similarly to the original creditor, contacting debtors via letters and phone calls. While they may threaten legal action or home visits, they are not permitted to engage in harassment or misrepresent their authority.

Rights of Debt Collectors:

Debt collectors have limited legal authority and cannot compel entry into your home or demand immediate payment. They must adhere to regulations governing debt collection practices and are prohibited from employing coercive tactics.

However, they may initiate legal proceedings, such as applying for a County Court Judgment (CCJ), if debtors refuse to cooperate. Nevertheless, active engagement with debt collectors and seeking assistance with debt repayment can often mitigate further action.

If contacted by a debt collector, it’s essential to verify their legitimacy, understand your rights, and explore options for repayment. Seeking debt advice promptly and establishing a manageable repayment plan can help alleviate financial stress and resolve outstanding debts.

It’s important to note that legitimate debt collection agencies are regulated by authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or are members of recognized industry associations. If uncertain, debtors can verify an agency’s credentials before engaging with them.

Additionally, debtors should be cautious of scams and avoid making cash payments without confirming the legitimacy of the debt collector. Opening communication channels and negotiating a repayment plan can often prevent further escalation of debt collection efforts.

How we can help you?

Check If You Are Eligible

Lets Talk

Tell us about your current debts and one of our experienced and friendly advisors can help you get the ball rolling.

Debt Solution

Dependant on your circumstances and financial situation, we'll let you know if an IVA is a potential solution for you.

We’ve Got It Covered

If you qualify for an IVA, we will take the necessary steps to set up and arrange this for you.

Why our customer choose us?

15 years

experience

Non-judgemental

and supportive

IPA

authorised

Honest and confidential

advise

Highly Rated

and recommended service

Helping you take back control of your finances

Reduce My Debt

Credit Score

Credit Score Pop Up Wording : An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal agreement with creditors to repay a portion of your debts over time, but it does have an impact on your credit score and it will be difficult to obtain further credit whilst on an IVA. Once an IVA is approved, it is recorded on your credit report and will typically remain there for six years from the date it starts.
However, it’s important to note this is the case for most debt solutions and your credit score will likely already have been affected by being in debt in the first place.
Once your IVA is complete you will get a fresh start to begin rebuilding your credit rating.

Fees

IVA costs are charged for the preparation of your proposal and the administration of the arrangement for the full term (usually 5 years) these costs are charged from the monthly contributions you make into the IVA and are not in addition. Costs will only be recovered on approval of your arrangement and once you commence making payments to it. The fees for preparation of the proposal to creditors and calling the meeting for creditors to vote on its approval are called nominees fees, the fees for running the arrangement once approved are called supervisors fees. There are also some expenses incurred in the running of the arrangement such as the registration fee and the statutory insurance that needs to be taken by law, these are called disbursements. For our arrangements, the total of all of these is £3,650 although this may be adjusted by creditors when they vote on whether to accept. No matter what the end total of costs come to, you can be rest assured that these will be taken from the monthly payment we agree with you.