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I have had a couple of interesting conversations with the CMS this weekend.
Basics are that i received a letter from the CMS (dated 23rd August) saying they
"We are currently changing your child maintenance arrangements to collect and pay".
"What you need to do now is please choose how you want us to collect these payments from you"
this letter came with a direct debit form.
I had had no previous communication with them for years. I knew what this was about as there was a dispute between myself and PWC regarding August payment (continuous payments without hitch since 2009).
Now the problem I have is when i phoned CMS and asked why they had sent me this letter they said it was because I hadn't paid August's payment. I said why are you changing it when you haven't even spoken to me to discover the facts. They then said that they have sent me a letter dated the SAME day (it arrived a day later) asking me to explain. within 14 days, why August hadn't been paid. I said that is irrelevant as you have already made the decision to change without any consultation of the facts with me. CMS lady then changed her tact and said the decision to change hadn't been made as it was still in the 14 days for me to reply. I stated the letter clearly said 'we are currently changing' asking me how i want you to collect payments and is with a direct debit form. She then completely changed tact and ignored my question and started asking me if i was going to pay for August. I told her I havent had that letter and i will deal with that matter once i receive it, I would like to further ask why you are changing to collect and pay. She said she would have to terminate the call as we were not getting anywhere. I asked for the supervisor, and whilst a little better, still could only come up with the excuse the decision to change hasn't been made yet.
I feel this is a very clear example of discrimination against the NRP and would like to pursue it further. Appreciate any comments about the above or best way to make a complaint.
PS the money in August is quite a minor matter, but will publish in another post as questions about that too.
You could make a complaint, they do have a complaints procedure.
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