Equita Bailiffs and Council Tax Arrears

diamondgal007

Unfortunately, I am very down beat at the moment, having constantly (every day) contacted the council and my local councillors, but get no where. I get paid tomorrow, so will make an online payment - small amount I know, but at least it is something. Then once all bills are clear, I will try and see if there is anything else I can pay on top.

I received another demand for £141.00, which does not explain what it is for, Islington council say they will call me back on this, - even though I have been calling them daily... My housing benefit has been assessed and they now say I OWE them £700!! for April - October 2008 - as my income changed from £980.00 - £1025 - I am disputing this as I was in talks with a council rep, with whom we worked out I would pay a monthly £40.00 to clear it.... :mad:



I have contacted Herbie for my next move, as today I have had a bailiffs letter saying they will be visiting my property to remove items. I know they are not able to gain entry unless it is peaceful, but I am petrified of them visiting my property..:eek: :huh:

I was fairly upbeat the last time I logged on to the thread, but now am feeling very dejected and feel as if I will never get out of this saga.... I thought by getting a job - any job even though it is in the low income bracket would be a better way to go, but it has bought me nothing but issues. I really wish I could wave a wand and make this all right..

diamondgal007

I would like to apologise for the previous post being so negative, I do hope it does not put off people from thinking that something that seems hopeless can be sorted.

Honeybee_2

Don't be sorry hon, it really does get you down, doesn't it?

I think in my case, what swung it was the intimidating and threatening manner or the bailiff. Ironic really that him having the tact and diplomacy of a large, amphetamine laced porcupine in a condom factory, is what resolved my situation.

Stay strong and don't let them get you down. If the bailiffs so much as put a toe out of line, report it to the council and inform them that these are the agents acting on their behalf.

diamondgal007

HB - You have a great way with words. I haven't stopped smiling since I read your thread.

Thanks for the support, it really truely is a god send.

I tried the council again today, and they say back to the bailiffs. I wish my local councillors would at least acknowledge my calls/emails. I contacted 4 of them! Oh well....

RAS

Diamond check when your local councillors have a surgery session ans try and see them there? Most weekends here.

diamondgal007

Many thanks Ras, next one is a week wednesday. I will be there.

diamondgal007

Thanks to Herbie21 (AGAIN)!!! the following letter & email has been sent to Equita:

Your Ref: XXXXXXX & XXXXXXXX


I am writing this letter to your company concerning the above accounts.



As you are aware your company have recently provided me with a breakdown of the fees and charges applied to my accounts and I wish to query how you have calculated the charges for the Liability Order dated 14th February 2008. In this you have applied charges of £84.50 for Bailiff Fees and £160 for Enforcement Fees.



I have spoken to the offices of Bailiff Advice Online and they have confirmed to me that it would appear from the charges that your firm have levied upon goods and that the Enforcement Fee is actually an “attending to remove” charge. I am not aware that a bailiff has ever levied upon my goods and neither has a Notice of Seizure of Goods & Inventory been provided. As a matter of urgency can you please explain these fees and confirm also that this account will be put on hold until such time as you have fully addressed the above.



Finally, as you are aware from previous correspondence I have offered to repay this debt at a rate of £50 per month and I would be grateful if you would agree to accept this sum whilst addressing this query.




Yours sincerely


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

diamondgal007

Thanks Herbie, I have done so regarding the email. Today I received this response via email:

31.3.2009

"Dear Sir/Madam

We confirm receipt of your recent email enquiry which has been passed to our case management department. A written reply will be issued to you within 14 days.

EQUITA LTD"

I have put aside this month's £50.00 instalment in an account, ready to pay.

Herbie21

diamondgal007 wrote: »

Thanks Herbie, I have done so regarding the email. Today I received this response via email:

31.3.2009

"Dear Sir/Madam

We confirm receipt of your recent email enquiry which has been passed to our case management department. A written reply will be issued to you within 14 days.

EQUITA LTD"

I have put aside this month's £50.00 instalment in an account, ready to pay.

To even receive confirmation from a bailiff company that they have received your letter is a BONUS !!!

Well done Equita !!

Bailiff Advice Online.

diamondgal007

Ok, just wanted to update you all.... finally... my councillor got involved and has done the following:

1: Readjusted the 2009 council tax for which 1st payment starts May 2009 in 12 monthly instalments.

2: Readjusted the 2008 housing benefit overpayment which I pay April 30th and thereafter at £35.00 per month

3: Equita have taken off enforcement fees of £224.50, sending a grovelling letter saying that fees where added BEFORE any entry had been gained !

I have contacted the CCCS - with details of my debts - I want to pay token payments to credit card debts and bring my rent and council tax debts up to date. If I can free up as much as possible I can pay off the important debts.

Many, many thanks to those who gave me encouragement and help during this difficult time, especially Dotstar, Ras, Roberto M and the wonderful Herbie21 -without the last letter going out to Equita, which I believe made them re-evaluate my position - I would have been in a very dark place. April is going to be a difficult time, but if I have to eat beans on toast for a month so be it!

I had a little bit of good news: I have been given a raise at work, from May 2009 it isnt massive, but every little helps! I am also awaiting confirmation for an interview for another job which would see my salary rise from £12,00 to £16,00!! Fingers/toes/bendy things crossed !!!

Carry on fighting those of you who are in the council tax mire - U CAN win. ~ There is always a way out.


DQ xx