More Important News - on GIGA's use of (legal) delaying tactic...
We think we have a problem with CWI installed by Miller Pattison, but but found out they had been in administration etc... So wrote to the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Association.
Their response today - 3rd January 24, says:
'Following recent incidents of impersonating/identity theft, CIGA is becoming ever more vigilant in ensuring that we have secure measures in place to protect our guarantee holders'.....and states they need a copy of 'a Land Registry extract or mortgage statement'...and 'a copy of a utility bill' to 'make sure we are dealing with the homeowner about their property'....
The letter also states that '...before we can assist with you enquiry we require proof of ownership of the property'...and the obvious delaying tactic...!!
I was put on alert that they required me to send them details of my home ownership from Land Registry at all, as this is how people have lost homes by others obtaining information, then transfering the property into their own names, effectively stealing your home from under your feet...and nothing you can do about...!
I think this is a delaying tactic as in their letter they state 'we require proof of ownership'...
Anyone who has dealt with Land Registry may know, copy's you download on-line (Title register copy's) ARE NOT PROOF OF OWNERSHIP. This is clearly stated on the front of these documents...although many miss the fact.
To get actual 'PROOF OR OWNERSHIP' you need to obtain an 'OFFICIAL COPY OF REGISTER OF TITLE', which has you name(s) shown as owners... and is the only official proof of ownership...
CIGA of course do not state this in their letter...but you know what's going on...when you send them a copy of the 'Title Register' you downloaded from Land Registry which is not an 'Official Copy of Register Title, you will most likely get a letter back saying sorry, we cant accept your document as its not actual proof that you are the homeowner... Dead Cunning tactic is it not...!!
Trouble is, getting hold of an 'Official Copy of Register' is not easy due to changes the way Land Registry will accept payment...and the cost of an 'Official Copy of Register' costs £7 (not £3)...if you can fight your way through the procedure to order one that is...
Before Land Registry payment changes, you could order and pay on-line...Now only registered businesses can do this if they obtain a Variable Direct Debit arrangement with Land Registry via a detailed application process... You can still order an 'Official Copy of Register', but it has to be done by post, and payment is only by Cheque or Postal Order, you cannot use direct debit or credit card, and also need to complete an application form. So why make things easy when you can complicate the hell out of it...
No doubt CIGA are smiling like cheshire cats as they turn away and delay people from getting what their Guarantees entitle them to...by using this ploy!
So, to help out I'm supplying some info to guide you in the right direction... So, if you get a letter from GIGA and need proof of homeownership, and want to avoid the delaying tactic, follow the advice below:
1) Go to the land Registry site and download the document
'Paying for HM Land Registry services by variable Direct Debit' - I cant provide the link as its not allowed.
2) Read the document so you understand the process, then go to page 15 and print-off and complete the form to regsiter with land Registry to pay for what you need by direct debit...
3) Order your 'Official Copy of Register of Title - phone Land registry if you can to get the latest info on doing so - Customer Service at HM Land Registry Head Office is 0300 006 0001.
4) Once Land Registry have processed your your form and taken payment, you will get your 'Official Copy of Register of Title' in due course, by post or via an email link.
5) I suggest you you forward any official copies of paperwork to CIGA by Royal Mail and use a service that gets a signature for receipt etc...
6) sit back and await CIGA's response to see ikf they have another delaying tactic up their sleeve, or will actrually do something...
Hope this was of help to those finding themselves in the same boat...
January 4, 2024
Unprompted review