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.
This procedure is not to be confused with debt management, which is not legally binding.
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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- IVA - Individual Voluntary Arrangement |
- 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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- Is there immediate relief if I do an IVA? |
- How much debt do I need to do an IVA? |
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- 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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- How will An IVA affect my home equity? |
- Can I keep my car if I do an IVA? |
- What assets might an IVA affect? |
- Will an IVA be reflected on my credit file? |
- Do I need to include all my creditors in an IVA? |
- Can I apply for credit while I'm in an IVA? |
- Will I need to change bank accounts in an IVA? |
- What will my monthly payment be on an IVA? |
- What if I am unable to keep up with my payments in an IVA? |
- Can my IVA payments go up? |
- Under what circumstances can I reduce my IVA payment? |
- Who will know if I do an IVA? |
- Will my landlord need to know if I do an IVA? |
- 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? |
- My husband and I are considering an IVA as a solution to our £25,000 debt |
- What happens if I change from being employed to self employed during my IVA? |
- If my partner enters an IVA will I have to sell my car because it is registered in my name? |
- What happens if my income rises during an IVA, would the creditors want all of the increase? |
- What is the minimum level of debt for an IVA? Is it 12000 or 15000 pounds? |
- Can I keep my home if my IVA is accepted? |
- Will I have enough money to live if I go for an IVA? |
- Information on the IVA procedure in the UK |
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- Can I include HM Inland Revenue and Customs (TAX) debt in an IVA? |
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IVA's
The IVA Guide
Money Advice Direct has put together an IVA Guide based on the enquiries and questions that we receive at our helpline offices.
In the guide we cover such subjects as IVA Approval, early settlment of your IVA, missed IVA payments, IVA failure, additional debt claims and much more.
[click here for IVA Guide]
What is an IVA?
The IVA is an extremely powerful tool enabling you to clear your debt and return to a clean financial bill of health. Visit Money Advice Direct's Guide to Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs).
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DANGER
Due to the tremendous demand for debt consolidation services the United Kingdom is now overloaded with debt management companies that contain misleading information. [more...]