Considering leaving UK without settling by British Gas account.?

Question

Whats the worse that could happen. My last bill received (£450) was excessive, I have no time to dispute it.

Answer 1

The chances that they'll take any recovery action against you if you're outside the UK are very small. First they'd have to trace you (not difficult), then they'd have to use a local organisation to pursue you and this will be time consuming and expensive.

However, the debt will be entered onto your UK credit file and if you ignore it you'll probably end up with a Country Court Judgement entered agaisnt you. This will certainly harm your future credit rating should you return to the UK making it difficult to obtain loans, credit cards, a bank account etc, you'd also still have to pay the bill if you returned within 6 years.

The country you're going to may have reciprocal credit checking agreements with the UK so you may find the debt comes back to haunt you even outside the UK.

The best option would seem to be to appoint someone to act on your behalf (friend, family member etc) who can deal with things for you. You'd need to write to BG giving your appointee 'Irrevocable Authority' to deal with matters on your behalf.

Answer 2

I'd think they could track you down and make you pay. Put it into collections and garnish your wages.

Not very decent to run off and not pay your bills.

Why was your bill excessive, in your opinion? Did you not use your furnace and other gas operated appliances that month?

Answer 3

well you should arrange a payment plan with them. only do it if you are never coming back to the uk to work or live as you will have issues getting any credit with any utility company again

Answer 4

Just pay it you must of used the gas in the 1st place!

Answer 5

Good answer Trevor...