Press & PR

UK telecoms provider BT faces court action over the charges imposed on its customers who choose to pay by means other than direct debit, it has been reported.

According to Channel 4 News, solicitor Ros Fernihough, who has led the campaign to take BT to court, has said that she decided to take action when she received a bill informing her that she would be charged an additional £4.50 because she was not paying by direct debit.

"I wrote back saying I'm not paying £4.50 and I'm not paying by direct debit. Please refund my money or I'll sue you," she told the broadcaster.

The charges amount to £18 per year, which generates around £100 million in revenue for the telecoms giant annually.

BT has responded by stating that the charges are fair and reasonable, adding that it is less than some other companies charge.

Industry regulator Ofcom has recently issued new guidelines of fair practice to utility providers over the charges imposed on bill-payers, with a deadline for compliance throughout the UK set three months after the proposals come into effect.

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