Eighteen years in debt for house repossession. Advice?

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 12:45 pm

Two fold problem:
House repossessed 18 years ago, ex partner left me with two little kids annd £20,000 debt. The debt was sold by the Northern Rock to a collector, and because I didn’t know any better, I agreed to pay them £20 per month. I’m still paying the debt, £20 per month, although I’ve moved house several times and changed my name, they’ve never chased me for bigger payments. I accept that I will have to pay this debt until I die.

I have now incurred an apparent utilities debt from an old address and the debt purchaser has tracked me down. I wrote and told them that I didn’t have knowledge of the debt, and asked for proof of debt. They have since replied with paperwork linked to my old address.

My question is, if I admit to the utility “debt” and agree to pay it off, will this cause the other debt company to start chasing me again? My partner is unaware of either debt, and bankruptcy is not an option.

Losing sleep over this, so any advice much appreciated. Cheers guys.

by **daveiron** Thu Apr 18, 2019 1:19 pm

Hi, welcome.

just to clarify ,was the house in joint names ? If so he is jointly liable .
Just guessing but is the £20 per month decreasing the debt or is it all going in interest ?

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 1:32 pm

Hi daveiron, thanks for replying.

House was in joint names, but he denied liability, basically just told them to eff off. I unwittingly admitted sole liability to the entire debt and supplied them with my national security number. I moved house, changed my name, didn’t tell the debt collector, but continued to make the £20 payments. So I’ve had no correspondence with them for about 16 years...just keep paying the £20.

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 1:34 pm

I’m guessing that I’m just the interest!

by **daveiron** Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:08 pm

Sorry but if it was in joint names he cannot just deny liability if it suits him. How did you admit sole liability ,what form did it take ,letter,phone ?

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:22 pm

They sent a letter saying I owed the £20,000 and threatened court action if I didn’t pay in full. I recall phoning them and explained that I couldn’t pay. TBH, I don’t think I verbally admitted to the debt, but I subsequently filled out a statement of incomings and outgoings, which I signed, so I’m assuming that I signed my life away at that point.

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:31 pm

I Just checked the status of the debt collector, and their “business” closed in 2017. But someone’s still taking the £20 a month!

by waylander62 Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:41 pm

who is the collector that northern rock "sold" the debt to ?

are you sure it was sold ?

it could be the debt collector are part of a bigger group now ?

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:48 pm

Thee debt collector was Henderson Booth and Snell. They said that they were “acting” on behalf of Northern Rock Building Society and pretended to be solicitors.

I guess I’m assuming the debt was sold to HBS, maybe it wasn’t. I’ve read Dryden Fairfax are now chasing old HBS “customers”

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:52 pm

Daveiron...If they were only acting on behalf of Northern Rock, would my debt now be discharged (seeing as both companies are dissolved) ?

by waylander62 Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:53 pm

no it hasnt been sold HB and S were acting solicitors on behalf of northern rock and now drydens seem to be collecting the money owed.

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 3:08 pm

Thank you for your messages, Waylander, I very much appreciate your time and subject knowledge. Smile

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 3:10 pm

If they collect on behalf of Northern Rock, and Northern Rock no longer exists, surely the debt is gone?

I really don’t get this...it’s so confusing!

by waylander62 Thu Apr 18, 2019 3:22 pm

it is a tough one

i dont know what to suggest for the best to be honest

maybe try a half hour free with a solicitor to take a look ?

there is an NRAM ( northern rock ) specialist out there who may take a look FOC ? initially ?

by **daveiron** Thu Apr 18, 2019 4:00 pm

Just a couple of things to keep in mind ,if / when its mentioned .

You had been left to fend for yourself and young children and you only started to make payments UNDER DURESS.
due to the intimidation you felt by the tone of their correspondence .

If you are struggling financially and can show it . You could tell them you can no longer pay and that they should
obtain payment from your ex as he is jointly liable. They will go after whoever they think will be the easiest victim.

by FOXP2 Thu Apr 18, 2019 4:26 pm

Thank you both daveiron and waylander62.

I believe that the mortgage lenders agreed to a six year ruling on mortgage repossession shortfalls: as they have not contacted the ex for 18 years I don’t think they can touch him now.

I’ll be honest, the thought of taking these goliaths on and ending up in court frightens the bejeesus out of me. I think maybe better to just keep paying the £20 a month and keep quiet in the hope they leave me alone.

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