25d • General discussion
This is why I get utterly confused
The bot on here advised SARS on credit related debt even though I copied the letter, for utility debt 😔 it's proving the wrong direction! I ran the advice off this group, through grok and this is the response - No, this dispute letter is not fully valid or effective under UK law, particularly for a debt from an energy supplier like So Energy, and some demands exceed what debt collectors (even those posing as or being a law firm like Moriarty Law Limited) must legally provide.
Key Issues with the Letter
Request for "original signed credit agreement" under Consumer Credit Act 1974 (sections 60-65):
UK law entitles you to a true copy (often reconstituted) of a regulated credit agreement under sections 77-79 of the CCA 1974, along with a statement of account (for a £1 fee). Creditors need not provide the original signed document, and the copy does not have to be signed or perfectly match the original form (per Carey v HSBC, 2009).
Energy debts like unpaid bills from So Energy are not regulated credit agreements under the CCA 1974—they are simple contractual debts for supplied services. The CCA request does not apply here, so this demand is invalid and unlikely to be fulfilled.
Request for "valid, unredacted deed of assignment" under Law of Property Act 1925 (section 136):
If the debt has been legally assigned (sold/transferred) to Moriarty Law or another party, a valid assignment requires written notice to you, but not necessarily providing the full deed.
You can reasonably request proof of assignment (e.g., a copy of the notice or deed) to verify their right to collect, and collectors often provide this in disputes. However, they are not strictly required to provide an "unredacted" version upfront unless pursuing court action. This request is common in dispute templates but not a statutory entitlement in the way phrased.
Detailed breakdown of charges and interest:
This is reasonable and often provided, especially if you dispute the amount. Under general FCA rules (CONC guidelines), collectors should provide clarity on the debt makeup if requested.
Evidence of correspondence between So Energy and Moriarty Law:
This is not a standard legal requirement. While you can ask for proof of their authority to act (e.g., a letter of instruction), internal correspondence is not something you are automatically entitled to.
Does It Matter That They Claim to Be a Law Firm?
Moriarty Law Limited is a legitimate firm of solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and authorised for debt collection. Being a law firm does not change your consumer rights—they must still follow general debt collection rules (FCA CONC guidelines on fair treatment, no harassment, etc.).
However, solicitor debt collectors are subject to additional professional conduct rules, so complaints can go to the SRA or Legal Ombudsman if they mislead or act improperly.
Better Approach for This Debt
Since this appears to be a utility debt (not credit-regulated), use a general "prove the debt" letter instead of a CCA one. Templates from sites like National Debtline or Citizens Advice recommend:
Stating you dispute the debt (or do not recognise it).
Requesting proof, including: account statements, how the balance was calculated, evidence of liability (e.g., bills in your name, meter readings), and proof of assignment/authority to collect if applicable.
Send it recorded delivery, and while it's disputed, they should pause aggressive action (per FCA guidance).
If the debt is old or incorrect, check if it's statute-barred (no payments/acknowledgement for 6 years in England/Wales) or if there's a genuine error (e.g., wrong address/account).
Recommendations
Contact free advice services like National Debtline (0808 808 4000) or Citizens Advice for a tailored template.
If Moriarty Law continues without proof, complain to them first, then the Financial Ombudsman Service (for fairness) or SRA (for conduct).
Do not ignore legitimate debts, as they can lead to court action/CCJs.
This letter's demands are based on outdated/misapplied templates often used for old credit card/loans, not utility bills. Adjust your approach for better results.
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This is why I get utterly confused
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