hi, in october i enquired about a course on the home learning college-how much, how long,etc! before i knew too much about it a visit from a advisor was booked, they wouldn't tell me any info any other way! this advisor talked me into signing up for a course, whilst doing a very hard sales pitch on me i received no info on cancelling other than what was printed on the back of the agreement, which states the cancellation time is a short term but didn't say how long! this salesman knew my financial details and that my dad who i look after is suffering from parkinson's disease, but still signed me up for a 2 year credit agreement! since then my dad has become very ill and housebound! i am basicaly financially keeping the household going, i cannot afford to pay for this course which i haven't even started or registered. i emailed the home learning college telling them my situation asked for compasion, and was told the cancellation period has gone and there is nothing they could do! then i wrote to them asking to cancel the agreement, they emailed me to tell me i could suspend my course indefinately but would still have to keep up the course payments of £70 a month which is what i,m struggling with to begin with+ if i still havent finished my course in 2 years additional payments become liable! my dad is not far away from me needing to leave work to care for him and this is a stress i didn't need! all advice anyone can give me is more than welcome!

Hi -- From 1st October 2008 the new revised "doorstep selling regulations" were introduced and apply irrespective of whether the visit to your home was solicited or unsolicited. I would challenge the validity of the contract you signed on the grounds above and that your contract does not state clear written notice of your 7 day right to cancel....therefore it is a unenforceable contract, as listed below by taking the contract along with the new regulations to your local CAB.

http://whatconsumer.co.uk/doorstep-selling/

The Seller’s Obligations

With any contract or sale made in this way, you must be sure you have been presented with clear written notice of your 7 day right to cancel, at or before the time the contract is made. If you have not, the contract is legally unenforceable, even if a deposit has been paid. This notice, which cannot be in the form of small print, or otherwise disguised, must also provide a cancellation form and advise you on how and to whom a notice of cancellation is to be made. Any related credit agreements will also be cancelled. .