Gas Debt and Disconnection

Karen Rowlingson and Elaine Kempson

Not surprisingly many of those whose gas is disconnected are living on very low incomes and changes in circumstances such as redundancy or divorce often add to their difficulties. Long-term absence from home, difficulties with payment methods and disputes over bills or payment also explained debt in some cases. Poor money management or deliberate non-payment were not significant factors. But why are people in debt subsequently disconnected ?

• Some people felt that they had no, or very little, money to offer. The emotional stress of redundancy, divorce or long-term low income made it difficult to cope with the situation.
• Others deliberately avoided contact so that they could get a token meter or go onto fuel direct, or were simply away from home and unaware of the impending disconnection.
• Perhaps more disturbing, some people did get in touch, made an attempt to sort out their problems, and yet were still disconnected.

£12.95 paperback ISBN 0 85374 585 4
1993 114 pages 216x135mm
Report number 751