Hi everyone, there is an article in the Times today stating that the credit reference agencies are in talks with the utility companies to start inclduing payment histories etc on customer's credit records. The article says that this won't happen until next year.

My question is, if and when this does happen, do you think they will just show information from that point onwards or will historic info also be added to people's records? My reason for asking is that last year I had a gas bill referred to a debt collection agency (I totally dispute the reasons for this as my provider continued to write to me at an old address despite having been notified in writing of my new address), this does not show on my credit record now but would it in the future? I'd be absolutely devestated if it did as my rating is otherwise good and I'm intending to apply for a mortgage in a couple of year.

Would be interested to hear people's opinions?

Thanks

Hi --- I cannot see any information from the past being allowed, it is very rare that retrospective information is added to any propsed changes in the way which the law is applied. It would also disfigure current profiles of people who have current loans, who would not have had them otherwise granted had the old insignificant history been available to the lenders..

This is my opinion only..... I would be interested if you can link up that article as I think that utility bills as such are not a form of credit under the consumer credit act, therefore the details should not be applied to personal credit files. You pay for water and council tax in advance, but energy bills are debateable at certain times. ?

What next ...blacklisted.... because you don't pay the milkman on time. ???

Thanks for the reply - unfortunately I can't find the article on the Times website, it was in yesterday's Money section. The relevant bit reads "Discussions have also begun between the CRAs and utility companies, with the aim of including information about customers bills and payment history on credit reports. Equifax says that the earliest these details could appear on your report is next year. Council tax payments and local authority rental histories could also be included soon"

The article also states that CC companies will start to share "behavioural data" eg no of cash machine withdrawals on your cc, whether you only pay the miminum amount each month. Loans from doorstep lenders will also begin to be included.

I guess the milkman will be about the only one not reporting to the credit agencies based on this!!! Big brother is watching you..........

I work for a utility company in collections, this will never come off as you dont sign a credit agreement.

conmankiller:

What next ...blacklisted.... because you don't pay the milkman on time. ???

Hey! Bullying and taking advantage of smaller traders is not a joking matter! Cash flow is critical and one bad account can bring down an entire family's livelihood! (I don't need an emoticon for this post to be taken in the intended spirit, do I?)

Ha haaa .... Of course not shiver....... just think of the poor newspaper delivery lads...... having to go without their underage fags, weed & booze fix, if the newspapers didn't get paid on time. : - )