The controversial practice sees energy companies apply to the courts for permission for debt agents to force their way into customers' homes and fit a meter if they fall behind on bills.
In one case, debt agents broke into a single father-of-three's home to install a prepayment meter during freezing conditions, and in another instance they force-fit one at the home of a young mother who had a four-week-old baby and was facing soaring energy bills. After fitting, British Gas typically charges £6.50 from their balance to pay back debts, while hundreds is added to cover charges for the debt collectors.
It was also found that Arvato workers are encouraged to force-fit meters through bonuses, which can incentivise them to ignore vulnerabilities – defined by Ofgem as people at retirement age, disabled people, those with mental health conditions, pregnant mothers, or those with a child under five.
If you had one fitted without your consent report it as a crime to police. Break in. Then cancel your contract.
Tht easy action of saying sorry is being used yet again. But hopefully tht BG boss has serious worries over what he has done tonight. Or most probably not in the least bit worried as he gets discount on his bills as a perk but his massive salary can easily afford to pay his bill!
Why is ArvatoFinance being left out of this story so much... both it and it's employees are abusing the court system at the behest of BG... They are just as guilty.
He knew exactly what was going on and probably condoned it. The man should be in prison.
Meanwhile that bloated pig siphoning off astronomical wages into his bank. Nationalise it! NATIONALISE THE LOT
Bravo LBC. Standards of probity in public office never been lower, mendacity and shady dealings typified by LEADERS of the Tory and Labour parties. Why is British press so eager to keep in office rather than expose self-seeking and corruption at the heart of Westminster?
Absolutely disgusting
britishgas needs regulating properly cos it has been apparent for some time they can’t do it themselves
This is Conservatives Britain for you,screwing the most vulnerable in society, whilst tax avoidance, corruption and sleaze engulf our Government.
Centrica and British Gas need to be taken to the cleaners and money passed on to public, full transparency down to the last penny! Or someone does prison time… no other options imo
No, this is not legal. If an energy supplier has serious concerns about how a customer is paying their bills, they must use better debt collection such as offering a payment plan, rather than intruding on a customers home.
People doing that job should be lined up against a wall
Totally out of order BULLY BOYS
Not sure what's wrong with that, if you aren't good for credit then pay up front
Bang out of order
👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽
Naughty that.
Come to my place or any family member and try that, see where those agents and there metre ends up. 🤓
That’s awful😢 people will freeze to death this winter for sure. That’s a disgusting practice though
They also may exempt from prosecution under the new spycops bill. The Government should outlaw all debt collectors now due the pandemic causing financial difficulties for many people. GreenJennyJones GreenJJNews
Well there’s clear evidence of a crime then surely?
Surely that's breaking and entering? No wonder meters are put outside a property, so they are able to do this.
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