Supplier pursuing host for old debts

Scottish Power is pursuing an Admiral Taverns host for the debts of the previous licensee - and demanding a £2,000 "security deposit" to recognise him as the new tenant.

Furious Paul Newman agreed to go with British Gas for gas and electricity on 14 June, the day his tenancy began at the Wing Half in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

Scottish Power, which previously supplied the pub, blocked the move, saying it will not recognise the change of tenancy until the security deposit and debt is paid.

In the meantime, he is being charged out-of-contract rates of 12.9p per kWh - 47% higher than normal.

Newman said: "They said they are going to take me to court for the previous tenant's bills.

"They were phoning four or five times a week saying they will cut me off and demanding payment. I'm very angry."

Energywatch wrote to Scottish Power asking why it won't recognise the change of tenancy, why it's pursuing Newman for the debt and asking for the security deposit to be waived.

Energywatch accused Scottish Power of making an "unwarranted objection" to the change of supplier.

Chris Kennedy, contracts manager at Utility Business Services, which is employed by Admiral to help its tenants, said: "Scottish Power has objected to the transfer [of supply] but as he is not in contract with them, it has no right to do so. Scottish Power is pursuing him for debts that he is not responsible for.

"We have advised Mr Newman not to pay the deposit. We said the best course is to go to court."

Scottish power: 'within government legislation'

Scottish Power denied it is trying make Newman pay the previous licensee's bill.

A statement said: "At no time have we tried to get Mr Newman to pay the previous occupier's bill." However, Chris Kennedy said: "Technically, Scottish Power is pursuing the legal occupier of the premises. That is Mr Newman, so they are pursuing him."

Scottish Power's statement continued: "Mr Newman took over the lease on 14 June 2007, however he has not yet agreed a new contract. We also require a security deposit of £2,000. This is Scottish Power's policy and we are within the Government's legislation to ask for this which works out at about three months' charges.

"This will be refunded to Mr Newman after 12 months and if he decides to change supplier we will refund when transfer is completed (this normally takes six weeks).

"We need Mr Newman to agree contract and pay a security deposit to make his account live as he has now been using the supply since June. The rates will be adjusted once the contract is signed and security deposit is paid, and we'll backdate his bills."