[Bengie]

I have read this thread with interest and a single point stands out above all others.
If you are late with a payment, the services are suspended, (this has never happened to me as I have always paid DD so been on time).
The services are paid in advance are they not? the only part of the bill in arrears is for telephone calls, so how can they legally turn off television and internet when those two services are not in arrears. I also don't see how they can charge you £20 to reconnect something that has already been paid for.

I agree that you should know that there is a late charge as you should have read your contract. I also agree that there should be a charge for late payment, late payment of bills has brought many a company to it's knees.
A poster earlier said he couldn't help being late as it was hard to survive on £57 per week so couldn't set up a DD. My advice would be, you should be using freeview as you can't afford a cable service, be sensible and stop living outside your means.

I think the word 'illegal' is wrong here, the word should be 'immoral' or 'unfair'. I don't think it is 'illegal' to levy whatever you want, but that can be challenged as unfair as bank charges have shown to be.