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NCR Portal Notice

After a long time with no acknowledgement of the issue, the NCR has updated the Debt Help System home page online with a notice (see below).

Let’s analyse the wording of the notice and consider what it means for Debt Counsellors who normally use the system.

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) is aware of technical issues currently affecting the availability of the Debt Help System (DHS).  We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. 

Rather than an unreachable webpage, Debt Counsellors can now reach this updated landing page and see this notice, which says that the National Credit Regulator is aware of the issue. 

NCR further recognise that this may impact users and appreciates your patience while the matter is being addressed.

This implies that things are being done to fix the situation. This is good news. This also states that the NCR understands that not being able to access the portal is having ramifications for  Debt Counsellors (and by extension consumers seeking legal protection).

Debt Counsellors are encouraged to continue performing all functions in full compliance with the National Credit Act and to maintain all related records.

Debt Counsellors are obligated by the National Credit Act to notify credit bureaus when a consumer applies for debt review. The NCR issued a guideline insisting that Debt Counsellors make use of the NCR Debt Help System (the one that is now down) many years ago. They now imply that Debt Counsellors should go back to how it was done before and contact credit bureaus directly (check the Service Directory Section under Credit Bureaus in each issue of Debtfree Magazine for contact info). While there are 4 major bureaus, there are many other niche bureaus and reseller bureaus who also need to be notified. Resulting in around +-30 bureaus needing to be updated to fulfil the requirements of the Act. And you must keep records to prove what you did in case this is challenged at court or in NCR monitoring.

The implication is clear, the NCR are doing something about the portal they insist Debt Counsellors use via their guideline, but if Debt Counsellors do not do what the Act says in the meantime, they will be liable.