Data Protection Breach?

[ScrubiousPip]

Hi, I have an overdue British Gas account and today 2 men turned up at my property and told my partner about my debt and said that they would be fitting a key meter. I have since come home and there is a letter saying that I have agreed to have the meter fitted (which I haven't as I wasn't here). My partner didn't know anything about my debt and is not registered with British Gas as somebody that has authority to discuss my account. British Gas has offered me £30 as a gesture of goodwill because they divulged my infoatipn to my partner. Have the breached data protection?

[boxtops]

I think so - tell BG that you are reporting them to Ofgen for a breach of confidentiality.

[Canary42]

Ofgem are a waste of space. Report them to the ICO.

http://ico.org.uk/what_we_cover/taking_action/dp_pecr

[ScrubiousPip]

Thank you for your answer - I have spoken to the CAB, Ofgem - Ofgem told me to contact BG for a 'Deadlock' letter saying that I've refused their £30. BG rang me tonight asking what it was that I wanted to resolve this, told them I was seeking legal advice, they also said that although what the guys did was wrong it's not technically a breach of data protection. They're going to call me back tomorrow after I've a chance to seek further advice!

[boxtops]

If you're going to ICO, I'd tell BG that you can't discuss the matter with them further. Who is it who's ringing you from BG, what level of person?

[ScrubiousPip]

The 2 calls have been Managers (allegedly) - I spoke the ICO this afternoon and they said it was a breach but it was a very short phone call - I'll give them another ring in the morning. Although what BG have done is a breach I just don't know how far I should take it.

[Maydup]

At this stage you need to decide what you want the outcome to be. Then ask BG for that when you speak to them tomorrow. I suggest you request removal of the payment meter and a zero balance on your account with them. Be prepared to meet them halfway as settlement.

[Peter Pedant]

It certainly is a breach of confidentiality
but you havent really suffered loss
so I would take the thirty knicker and run !

what BG should do is make a voluntary declaration to the ICO
and no one will do diddly squat.

[Peter Pedant]

Meters are quite an expensive way of paying for you Gas

so...IF they are installed I would try to get them taken out - free of charge of course.

But it probably means you have to settle your Gas bill