Bristow and Sutor Debt – Should You Pay?

Are you worried because Bristow and Sutor Debt Collectors are demanding money from you? You’ve come to the right place.

Every month, over 170,000 people come to our website to find guidance about debt issues just like the one you’re facing now.

In this article, we will help you:

•  Understand if the debt claimed by Bristow and Sutor is truly yours.
•  Learn how to respond within 7 days of receiving a Notice of Enforcement.
•  Discover how to protect your possessions and your peace of mind.
•  Explore options to possibly write off some of your debt.

Citizens Advice estimate households have around £18.9 billion in unpaid bills like council tax and utilities¹. Some of our team members have even dealt with debt.

With our experience, we’ll help you find ways to deal with Bristow and Sutor Debt Collectors.

Why are Bristow And Sutor Debt Collection contacting me?

If Bristow And Sutor Debt Collection are contacting you, whether, by letter or phone, it’s because they are attempting to collect a debt on behalf of another lender and they are attempting to get payment.

Bristow And Sutor Debt Collection are in charge of the debt, so you have a responsibility to pay them.

The way many debt collectors profit is through purchasing unpaid debts from lenders and pursuing the debt themselves.

However, many Enforcement Agents, such as Bristow And Sutor, charge a fee to the original lender to take control of the debt collection process.

They can make a lot of money if they get total payments.

How can you be sure this is even your debt?

If you are suddenly contacted out of the blue about the debt, you might be wondering where it came from. You may not even recognise the original lender.

Even if you do recognise the lender, the value of the debt might be jaw-dropping, especially if it’s a really old debt with lots of additional fees and charges added on! You need to get an understanding of where the debt came from and a breakdown of what you owe.

You shouldn’t pay the debt until you have this information.

When you have established the origin of the debt, your next step is to write to Bristow And Sutor Debt Collection with a request for a copy of the credit agreement.

Unless they provide this, you can stop paying the debt or not pay it all. They have a responsibility to furnish you with this information.

Follow our ‘prove it’ guide with letter templates and get them to prove that you owe the money.

The debt is yours – what are the next steps?

If you receive proof that this is your debt, it is advisable to just repay the debt, and get them off your back!

If you genuinely can’t afford to repay the money, or you want to change a repayment plan you have set up, it is wise to speak to Bristow And Sutor Debt Collection to see if you can perhaps reach an agreement to reduce the repayment plan.

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

Do they send an enforcement visit warning?

Bristow and Sutor must give you at least seven days’ notice before the first visit to your home.

This happens during the compliance stage. On the first visit, the bailiff cannot force entry, and you do not need to let them in.

However, you could opt to pay the debt or complete a controlled goods agreement.

Keep in mind that the FCA state that a bailiff must not misrepresent their authority or legal position, and cannot suggest that an action may be taken where it legally can’t².

Know Your Rights

I shared with The Mirror how important it is to know your rights and those of the bailiffs at your front door.

By knowing what bailiffs can and can’t do when paying you a visit, you’ll have an edge over the situation.

Here’s a quick table summarizing bailiffs’ rights.

Bailiffs Can	But They Can’t
Call and visit your home multiple times, any day of the week.	Visit your workplace (if you are not self-employed)
Take items from your home. These items have to be considered ‘luxury’.	Take essential items from your home. This includes beds, clothing, and work equipment.
Use ANPR technology and DVLA information to locate your car and take it.	Enter your home without permission unless they have a warrant to force entry for a CCJ.
Peacefully enter your property.	Harass or threaten you.
Issue notices to those who owe a debt.	Take items that belong to someone else. However, they may be able to seize jointly owned property.
Offer to conduct a Virtual Controlled Goods Agreement (rather than in-person). This will typically be offered to vulnerable people.	Sell goods they have seized at auction until seven clear days have passed.

How do you complain about Bristow and Sutor Debt Collectors?

If you think that Bristow and Sutor have acted inappropriately or not followed the guidelines, you can make a complaint.

First, make your complaint to Bristow and Sutor so they have a chance to sort out the issue first.

If you think that they have not dealt with your complaint appropriately, you can pass your complaint on to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

They will investigate your complaint and if it is upheld, Bristow and Sutor may be fined and you may be owed some compensation.

Is there any way to write off your debts?

There are a few situations where debt can be written off. These are mostly debt solutions.

If you are considering a debt solution, you need to get some financial advice. There are several organisations and debt charities in the UK that offer free debt counselling services.

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or Trust Deed

If you are accepted for an IVA, you pay one monthly payment that is distributed amongst your creditors.

This usually lasts for 5 years and your remaining debts can be wiped out at the end of your IVA.

One of the other key benefits of an IVA is that your creditors can’t contact you about your debts again.

Keep in mind that an IVA is not for everyone – you need to owe several thousand pounds to more than one creditor just to qualify. You also need to show that you have some disposable income each month.

A Trust Deed is the Scottish equivalent of an IVA and works in the same way – you make a monthly payment for a set number of years, your creditors don’t contact you, and then you may be able to write off your outstanding debts.

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

If you have no major assets and very little income, you may be able to qualify for a DRO.

Once accepted, your creditors freeze your interest and you stop making payments to them. This lasts for 12 months and then your finances are reassessed.

If your situation hasn’t improved, your remaining debts can be written off.

Bankruptcy or Sequestration

Bankruptcy or Sequestration in Scotland has a negative stigma, but it may be your only way of getting a financial fresh start if you have large debts.

Bankruptcy or sequestration will write off some of your debts, but not all of them. Child maintenance arrears, criminal fines, and student loans are just some of the debts that can’t be included in your bankruptcy or sequestration order.

Keep in mind that this is a serious financial situation that should not be taken lightly.

Those in Scotland with few assets may be able to get a Minimal Asset Process bankruptcy (MAP). This is cheaper, quicker, and more straightforward than sequestration.

Bristow and Sutor Debt Collectors Contact Details

Website	Bristow and Sutor
Phone Number	01527 504030
Text Number	07781 488270
WhatsApp	+44 7860 078 251
Business hours	8am to 8pm Mon – Fri, 8am to 1pm Sat & Sun
Address	Bartleet Road, Washford, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0FL
Contact Form	Debtor Contact

References

1. Citizens Advice – Debt Statistics and Bailiff Issues
2. FCA Handbook – CONC 7

CONC 7.3 Treatment of customers in default or arrears (including repossessions): lenders, owners and debt collectors

CONC 7.9 Contact with customers