Can utility bills be included in an IVA?
IVA and debt from utility bills
We receive a lot of calls and emails from the public asking; "Can utility bills be included in an IVA?".
Please note that utility bills can only be included in an IVA if you are no longer living at the address. If you are still living at the address then you will need to speak to the utility company and come to a private arrangement with them.
The IVA is an extremely powerful tool enabling you to clear your debt and return to a clean financial bill of health.
This procedure is not to be confused with the informal procedures being dished out by non-regulatory organisations as advertised on television and in the daily tabloids. Those other organisations have already been adversely criticised by BBC's Watchdog programme.
Overdue utility bills
If you're having trouble paying utility bills, such as gas and electricity, it's important to address the problem. Utility companies can cut off your supply. Even a phone bill is a priority if you need the phone to earn your living.
Contact each utility company whose bill you haven't paid. Explain your situation and offer to pay an amount you can afford.
All fuel suppliers (electricity and gas) follow a code of practice that means they won't cut off your supply if you agree a payment plan with them and then keep to it. You'll need to check each code of practice, but they should take into account your ability to pay - complain to Energywatch if they don't (see "What to do if you have problems dealing with your fuel supplier" below).
A plan could include:
- paying by weekly or monthly installments
- using a pre-payment meter
Water rates utility arrears
With a pre-payment meter, you use a smart card, key or token (or, sometimes, coins) to pay for your gas or electricity as you use it. You recharge your card or key at PayPoint outlets like newsagents and Post Offices. If you have a meter installed, remember you'll only get a supply when it's topped up.
Many water companies send out bills twice a year, in April and October. You can pay your bill all at once or in installments - perhaps weekly, fortnightly or monthly. If you get behind with your payments the water company can't disconnect your supply, but they can take action to get their money and, if necessary, take you to court.
It's best to contact your water company as soon as there's a problem, to agree a plan for paying back what you owe. A code of practice means that the company should make every effort to find a solution that's fair to both sides. If you're having trouble sorting things out with your water company, you can make a complaint to the Office of Water Services (Ofwat).
What to do if you have problems dealing with your fuel supplier
If you're having trouble sorting out difficulties with your fuel supplier you can contact Energywatch, the consumer watchdog for gas and electricity. They offer free, impartial advice and can take up complaints on your behalf.
Energywatch has a helpline on 0845 9060 708 (RNID typetalk service for people who are deaf or have speech and hearing difficulties: 18001 0845 9060 708). The helpline is open between 8.30 am and 7.30 pm from Monday to Friday and from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays (closed on Sundays and bank holidays).
If you would like to know if utility bills can be included in an IVA please complete the following form or telephone freephone 0800 074 6918.
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- I've buried my head in the sand, now I've got a bankruptcy petition hearing next week. Can I do an IVA at this late stage?
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- Will my partner have to contribute to my IVA?
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- What happens if I'm unable to keep up with the IVA payments?
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- How much debt do I need to do an IVA? |
- What types of debt can an IVA deal with? |
- Can utility bills be included in an IVA? |
- Will an IVA stop collection calls? |
- Will an IVA freeze my interest rates? |
- Will I have to sell my house if I do an IVA? |
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- What assets might an IVA affect? |
- Will an IVA be reflected on my credit file? |
- Can I still use the credit cards I've included in an IVA? (no content) |
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- What will my monthly payment be on an IVA? |
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- I've decided to do an IVA, should i stop paying my creditors now? |
- Will an IVA affect my employment or my ability to get a job? |
- I'm in an IVA and I've lost my job, what can I do? |
- What situations would prevent me from doing an IVA? |
- I've been told I can't do an IVA, what should I do? |
- Can I exit out of my IVA before five years? |
- Under what circumstances can an IVA proposal be rejected? |
- What percentage of IVA's are blocked by creditors? |
- What happens if my IVA fails? |
- What if I can't remortgage as per my IVA proposal? |
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