If you receive a debt letter from Ascent Performance Group debt, there’s a chance that you might not even have to pay. But ignoring them is not a wise decision as it could escalate the issue. Let us explain…
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Receiving debt letters from ascent debt collection can be stressful. You will either feel pressured to pay, or you might think ignoring is the best option.
But before you make a decision, there are a few things you should know. We explain everything you need to know about Ascent debt letters.
What is Ascent?
Ascent Performance Group is among the top-tier debt collection agencies in the UK. They focus primarily on debt collection. The company chases people to pay debt and arrears owed to their clients. They encompass everything from individual businesses to large-scale lenders. Ascent works for a commission or a fixed fee on any eventual payments made by debtors.
Based in Sheffield, Ascent Performance Group is completely legitimate as they are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
When you think of debt collection, it might sound intimidating. But it’s crucial to understand the ascent performance group’s operations, especially if you’ve ever been in debt or plan to take a loan. So, why should you be concerned about their methods?
- Vast Reach: Being one of the leading agencies, their network is extensive.
- Robust Methods: Their reputation stems from their aggressive approach to recovering dues.
Is Ascent Part of Irwin Mitchell?
Yes. Ascent Performance Group is a part of Irwin Mitchell as it is one of their subsidiaries. As a legal firm, Irwin Mitchell works with clients of Ascent in order to advise on taking legal for the recovery of debts. But this does not mean the client will always take up this path.
This alliance fuses the formidable legal strategies of Irwin Mitchell with the efficient collection tactics of Ascent. So, what does this merger mean for their operations?
- Streamlined Operations: Two powerhouses working together ensure efficiency is at its peak.
- Legal and Prompt: Debts aren’t just addressed; they’re handled with legal precision, ensuring both parties’ rights are upheld.
Are the Ascent Performance Group Bailiffs?
Many confuse Ascent Performance Group to be bailiffs due to their rigorous collection tactics. But no, they are not bailiffs. They’re a debt collection agency.
- Limited Powers: Unlike bailiffs, the ascent performance group can’t just show up and seize your assets. They operate within a set boundary.
- Pressure, Not Power: Their strength lies in persistent follow-ups and legal threats, but they don’t have the authority to take physical actions like bailiffs.
If Ascent claims to be bailiffs or states that they have equal powers, you have the right to make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
Who Does Ascent Performance Work For?
Ascent Performance Group, as one of the UK’s top debt collection agencies, primarily serves mortgage lenders, blue chip clients, banks, and utility companies. But their clientele doesn’t stop there. Various businesses, big and small, seek Ascent’s expertise to recover any outstanding dues.
But what makes them so special?
- Efficiency: They have honed their processes over the years, ensuring a smooth ascent debt collection journey.
- Bridge Builders: Think of them as intermediaries. They bridge the often tumultuous gap between lenders and debtors, ensuring funds flow back where they belong.
Ascent Performance Group Debt Reviews
Opinions about Ascent’s methods are as diverse as they come. Dive into any forum, and you’ll see a spectrum of experiences. Some individuals commend the Ascent Performance Group, specifically highlighting their ascent contact process, labelling it efficient and professional.
On the flip side, some individuals speak of pressure and even intimidation.
Some of the reviews are as follows:
“Absolutely fantastic firm to deal with! Was a bit worried but spoke to a lovely chap by the name of Greg who immediately made me feel calm, especially during a extra sensitive problem…read more” –Andrew
“Made to feel at ease and sign posted to all the places needed to help in supporting paying off my shared equity. When explained about my dyslexia helped to explain things in more detail for me to understand and even when I had a death in the family offered Me support…read more” –Daniel Cummings
“Utterly incompetent. Frequent emails go unanswered. Just robo-texts that it’s imperative to call them, then wait in the line for someone to pickup. No joined up back office or ability to resolve things. Couldn’t recognise most basic issue, and had to pester them to do most basic follow-up…read more” –r Kramer
“I have contacted Ascent on 2 occasions in the last 2 weeks and they have totally ignored my messages. They don’t seem to care about any query that would help me yet they are more for their client, even sent the wrong info to the courts when it was requested…read more” –Ali Pownall
Have You Received an Ascent Performance Group Debt Letter?
If you received a letter from Ascent Performance Group, it is called a Letter Before Action (LBA). This is a letter you receive before their clients decide to go to court against you if you refuse to pay. Such letters usually detail:
- The Owed Amount: How much you owe.
- Original Lender: Who you owe it to.
- Next Steps: What happens if you don’t address this debt?
It’s crucial not to toss this aside. Addressing it head-on is the way to go. You can:
- Confirm the Debt: Ensure the details are accurate. Mistakes can happen.
- Challenge: If you believe there’s an error, speak up.
- Seek Guidance: If you’re unsure about your next step, financial advisors can be helpful in such times.
Will Ascent Performance Take Me to Court?
There is no guarantee on whether Ascent Performance Group will take you to court or not. The decision is up to the client. But like any other debt collection agency, they resort to court involvement as a last measure. This usually happens if the following takes place:
- Ignored Reminders: Ascent’s relentless efforts, calls, letters, and even Ascent contact attempts yield no response from the debtor.
- Failed Negotiations: In cases where a debtor engages but fails to stick to agreed-upon repayment strategies.
So, it is crucial that you don’t take reach outs from them lightly. But remember, taking someone to court involves time and resources. A few things you can try include:
- Open Communication: Ignoring them isn’t the answer. Engage in a dialogue and make your circumstances known.
- Express Willingness: Demonstrating a genuine intent to repay, even if it means revisiting the repayment terms, can go a long way.
Do I Have to Pay an Ascent Performance Group Debt?
If you’ve confirmed the debt is legitimately yours, the straightforward answer is yes. But if you haven’t and you’re not sure if it is yours, you don’t have to pay immediately. Instead, you can try the following:
- Verification: Always double-check the details. Are the amounts correct? Do you recognise the original lender? Engaging with the ascent contact team can help clarify such doubts. You can also send them a proof of the debt Letter to verify if the debt is yours. Note that you’re not obligated to pay them if they don’t respond with proof.
- Seek Professional Advice: Debt counselling agencies exist for a reason. They can guide you on your rights, obligations, and best paths forward.
Alternative Options Before You Pay
Once you receive a debt letter from Ascent Performance Group, there are a few things you can try before you pay them. A few of these options are as follows.
If your debt is 6 years old (5 years in Scotland), your debt is statute-barred. This means it is unenforceable. In order for a debt to be statute you should meet the following criteria:
- You have not made any payments in the last 6 years
- You have not admitted to owing the debt in the last 6 years
- You have not received a County Court Judgement (CCJ) for it
If your debt meets the above criteria, then it is statute-barred. But note that this does not mean the debt doesn’t exist. It does. But your creditor or the debt collector cannot go to court against you for it.
Also, keep in mind that some debts are enforceable for a long time and cannot be statute-barred. This includes HMRC debts and debts that have received a CCJ during the 5-6-year window.
If you’re unsure if your debt is statute-barred, you can reach out to a debt charity for advice. They will guide you and provide you with personalised advice regarding it.
Once you receive a debt letter from Ascent Performance Group, make sure to request proof before you pay them. In order to do this, simply send them a Prove the Debt Letter. This will help you to ensure that you are liable for the debt that they are chasing.
If they don’t provide proof that the debt is yours, you’re not obligated to pay. But it’s important that you respond to debt collectors without delay, as this will help you to avoid extra fees and charges. Responding on time will also set legal action aside, such as County Court Judgements (CCJ).
Apart from the above two options, you can also consider:
- Negotiation: Don’t hesitate to discuss your circumstances. If you can’t pay the full amount, propose a feasible repayment plan.
- Seeking External Counsel: Sometimes, debt advice services can be very helpful, ensuring you make decisions in your best interest.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Debts?
Choosing to turn a blind eye to looming debts is a dangerous game. Just because you ignore paying the debt won’t make it go away.
A few things that could happen if you ignore them include:
What is a CCJ?
A CCJ or County Court Judgment is a tool creditors employ when you default on payments. It’s simply an order from the court warning you to pay as they agree with your creditor that you owe the money. This judgement usually includes:
- The amount you owe
- How you should pay it
- Who you should pay it to
- The final date to make the payment
If you don’t pay within one month of being issued a CCJ, it will go into the records of the Register of Judgements, Orders and Fines for a period of 6 years.
But if you make the payment within these 6 years, you can ask the court to mark the judgement as ‘satisfied’ on the register. To do this, write a letter to the court along with proof stating that you have completed the payment.
Similarly, if you make the payment within one month of receiving the CCJ, it will not be recorded in the register. For this also, you should write to the court and inform them that you have paid and provide proof.
Keep in mind that a CCJ will be visible on your credit report for a period of 6 years. So, getting credit during this time will be difficult.
This is because lenders check your credit report to see if you’re a high-risk customer (someone who may find it difficult to make timely payments). So, if you have a CCJ on your credit report, it is proof that you have not made payments on time in the past.
Due to this, lenders will be reluctant to offer you credit. But after 6 years, the CCJ will clear out from your credit report, and you will find it easier to borrow credit again.
What If I Can’t Pay?
If you cannot pay, there are options available. You can request for a payment plan or take up a debt solution. There are many debt solutions available in the UK, and some even help you to write off a portion of your unaffordable debt.
Note that while choosing the right debt solution will help you to write off debt, the wrong one will be expensive and might even worsen your situation. So make sure to make the choice carefully. You can also consider reaching out to a debt charity for advice regarding this.
A few debt solutions available in the UK include:
Keep Up To Date With Your Debts
You can easily lose track of your debts, mainly because the debt collection industry is not always transparent. So make sure to do the following:
- Regular Reviews: Periodically sit down and go through your debts. It’s important to keep track, allowing you to be better prepared.
- Open Dialogue: Keep talking. Whether it’s negotiating terms, clarifying doubts, or expressing concerns, always stay in contact with your creditors.
- Other debt collectors: always make sure to check if your debts have been passed on to another debt collector. If a debt collector feels like it’s not worth chasing your debt, they might sell it to another debt collector.
- Watch out for debt collectors like Lowell UK and Cabot Finance. They are two of the largest debt collection companies in the UK that you’re most likely to come across. So always check your emails and posts to ensure that your debt has been passed on to any of them.
Ascent Performance Group Contact Information
If you’re reaching out to Ascent Performance Group, a few things to keep in mind include:
- Official Channels: Avoid hearsay and third-party sources. Instead, stick to Ascent’s official ascent contact points, ensuring you’re really talking to them and not a scammer.
- Protecting Yourself: Authentic communication isn’t just about effective resolution. It’s also about safeguarding your personal and financial information.
Their official contact details are as follows:
| Address: | Ascent Legal, Riverside East, 2 Millsands Sheffield, S3 8DT |
| Phone: | 0345 604 0860 |
| Email: | enquiries@ascent.co.uk |
| Website: | https://ascent.co.uk/ |
More Resources to Fight an Ascent Performance Group Debt
Facing Ascent’s debt notices doesn’t mean you’re in the ring unarmed. Empower yourself:
- Know Your Rights: Every debtor has rights. Understand yours to ensure you’re not unfairly treated.
- Seeking Help: Don’t shy away. From legal counsellors to financial advisors, there’s a plethora of professionals ready to guide you.
- Stay Updated: The financial landscape is dynamic. Stay updated, and you’ll always be a step ahead, even when dealing with debt.
Furthermore, if you’re struggling to pay your debt and want some free advice, we recommend you reach out to a debt charity. There are multiple debt charities in the UK that you can reach out to. They offer free debt advice and counselling services. Their advisors will walk you through how you should handle it.
A few debt charities you can reach out to include:
- StepChange
- Citizens Advice
- National Debtline
- Debt Advice Foundation
Alternatively, feel free to fill out our online form, and our Money Advisor Team will guide you on the best course of action.
Key Points
- The Ascent Performance Group is a recognised and legitimate UK debt collection agency. Their primary role is to act on behalf of various clients, including lenders and businesses, to recover outstanding dues and debts.
- A significant number of people in the UK might have the legal avenue to write off a portion of their debt. Understanding one’s rights and options can provide relief from mounting financial pressures.
- Ascent Performance Group is not synonymous with bailiffs. Unlike bailiffs, they don’t possess the authority to confiscate goods from homes without explicit court orders.
- It’s paramount to exercise caution. Before you rush to settle any demands made by the ascent performance group, ensure you verify if the debt is statute-barred or request tangible evidence of the owed debt.
- Ascent Performance Group stands out in the industry, receiving better-than-average feedback for their services. Clients and debtors often highlight their empathetic approach and highly personalised service, which sets them apart.
- The ascent performance group may resort to legal proceedings in instances where their collection efforts remain unanswered. Understanding the legal implications can offer better clarity on how to proceed.
- Before reaching for your chequebook, it’s wise to explore all available alternatives. This can include negotiation, seeking counsel, or engaging with charitable organisations like StepChange for guidance and advice.
- Ignoring debts can spiral into severe repercussions. This includes additional financial penalties and potential legal ramifications, such as the issuance of a County Court Judgment (CCJ).
- A CCJ is a potent tool in the UK used against individuals defaulting on their obligations. It can drastically impact one’s credit health and future borrowing capabilities.
- Staying up-to-date and maintaining open communication lines with creditors, especially ascent performance group, can alleviate many complications. Prioritise understanding your financial position and addressing concerns head-on.
