Oh dear God...
...I mentioned that I have a lot of trouble with firms - I can only think it's my name being a somewhat common name that causes it.
A few years ago, I received a gas bill. Pretty normal, I'm sure you'll agree.
I open it up and see that from the 23rd of May to the 25th of May I apparently have used 890 quids worth of gas. Two days! If I'd cut the gas pipes and simply set light to them I doubt I would have used that much, despite their over-inflated prices.
Clearly, it's a mistake. I phoned them up, all joking like: "Ha - I think you've made an error here."
"I assure you Mr.Dchurch, we have not made an error."
"...but I couldn't possibly have used that much gas in two days..."
...this carries on for a while. What started as a polite, even jolly conversation is slowly turning into a slagging match. I give up and put the phone down. It's best to deal with these big firms by letter in any case.
So I set about writing a letter - the tone is jovial and polite.
I recieve a letter back a couple of weeks later informing me that there is no error and that I have used [insert number] units of gas in the period mentioned. I look up their tarrif, and I clearly have not used 890 quids worth of gas - it was more like 67 pence. I write back and tell them this.
They write back saying that if I don't pay, then it will be passed to their "Collections Team" - Ooooooh, don't!
I then received an electric bill - both were with the same firm. This wasn't anywhere near as high, but I figured that if they could get the gas wrong, I'd better check the leccy. Sure enough, it was about 25% out - in their favour. I wrote back with readings (despite a man taking the readings not long ago) and their tarrif, and the workings showing the *real* price.
Yep, they wrote back "There is no mistake, your calculations are wrong".
Nine letters went back and forth.
They eventually wrote me a letter saying that I was correct (I was actually 25p out - I don't know how) and that on this occasion, as a gesture of goodwill they would accept £xx.xx (the amount - I forget now how much this one was).
So, as a gesture of goodwill, and only on that occasion, they would accept what I owed them, based on a price for goods rendered?
I wrote back saying that at the £9.75 allowed by the County Courts Act for my time, that had they taken me to court over the matter as they threatened in no less than 6 of the letters, then in fact they would have owed me £87.85 - about twice what the bill was. I said that I don't accept cheques, although I would accept postal orders. I never heard another thing.
Still though, to this day (some 4 years later) they are still chasing me for the 890 quid for the gas I supposedly used over two spring days.
I really wish they would come good on their threats of court action; for the love of chips and all things greasy, I have tried my level best to resolve the issue amicably. I'd like to see the dressing down a county court judge would give them.
The firm in question, of course, rhymes with Gittish Bass.
(dchurch bah, Thu 2 Sep 2010, 23:57, 7 replies)

Imagine what it'll be like when all the public services get privatised.
Relentless greed + zero responsibility = hell for all.
( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Fri 3 Sep 2010, 0:01, closed)

why would a judge give them a dressing gown?

(dozers, do fuck off ur a nob m8, Fri 3 Sep 2010, 0:19, closed)

Because they'll be chilly
seeing as dchurch has used all the gas.
( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Fri 3 Sep 2010, 1:17, closed)

^
nicely done!
(The Incredible Sulk Finally remembered his password on, Fri 3 Sep 2010, 9:56, closed)

What's this £9.75 you mention?

( sandettie light vessel automatic New Twitter - @bollocksreally, Fri 3 Sep 2010, 1:18, closed)

If
someone threatens you with, or you are taking someone to a county court, then you must prepare.
The County Courts Act allows up to £9.75 per hour for preparation/costs/materials etc... which you can of course, claim back from the other party should you win the case.
If you lose however, then you're fucked.
(dchurch bah, Sun 5 Sep 2010, 7:21, closed)