u/Fair_Occasion_1331

So a few days ago I was locked out of my house when I left the key inside. The front door is one where you can't open it from the outside when it closes.

It was a little after 11 at night once I got home from work. I called a lock smith company who took my number and address and said "A technician will call you back soon." Wasn't given prices or a quote at all.

I waited outside but after a while with no call I decided to get an Uber to a friend's place and deal with it the next day. In the car almost arriving at my friend's place I get a call from the technician who says he is on his way, will be there soon, and was delayed due to road works.

I explained I wasn't there and once I hadn't heard anything had simply made other arrangements and that I didn't need the service any longer. He then claims that I have to pay a cancellation fee. £48 + VAT

This was never mentioned before hand, I wasn't even given a quote, he hadn't even shown up.

I refused to pay and said I would deal with this later.

My question is does this technician or the company that hired him have any right to demand a cancellation payment of me when they haven't actually done anything at all?

They obviously have my number and address so assume they will follow up if ignored.