I'm going through the same process with Barclaycard, it's at the stage where it's been to Mercers and come back, now it's with Calders and I've also had a doorstep call from Scotcall. Such was my frustration that I have signed up with one of 'those' companies that advertise-more news as it happens.

BUT-I thought this bit of info could be useful when trying to get a fuller a picture. When Abbey were taken over by MBNA last year they promptly put my APR up to 35%, I couldn't afford to pay them back or switch the debt so I tried to negiotate a lower rate, they more or less said we're charging you this because we can. So in November I went to one of 'those' companies and paid £25 for an assessment(to be followed by £95x4 monthly payments when it goes to court), they tell you not to use the card and pay the minimum payment which I did till April this year then could not afford it any longer.The company is just preparing the case to take to court after presenting it to a barrister. This is the letter I have just received from MBNA-

''Your MBNA account is currently xxx in arrears with an immediate payment due of xxxx. The account is six payments behind and will default in October. The outstanding balance will then be sold to a third party debt collection agency that will pursue the full amount.

We have recently received a request for your original terms and conditions for section 78 of the credit consumer act. We must stress that the only time we will enforce your debt is if MBNA take you to court. We can advise that this will not happen,MBNA will default the account and sell the outstanding balance on.

If you are in financial difficulty and are struggling to make your monthly payments we can assist you. MBNA can offer a reduced payment programme in which we freeze interest and fees. Alternatively we can look to settle your account for a reduced lump sum writing off the remaining balance.This will show as a partial settlement on your credit file for six years. If your would like our assistance, please call xxxx with a breakdown of your income and expediture.''

I can't do this now because I have signed up with this company , the insurance policy for the' no win , no pay' has been purchased etc. The company will pursue them them through the courts for their legal expenses and cleaning up my credit file as well as writing off the debt.I wonder if Barclaycard are going to follow this route?