Equita - council tax

SolicitorMidlands

I am SO angry. I am dealing with family members debts and wish I hadn't started.

Rang Equita to find out how much was owing. Family member has been paying 40 pounds a month for at least a year. They say the matter has been passed to a balliff and they cannot deal with the account. I am livid - money has been paid to them every month and they are happy to take it but not deal with the account. What is that all about?

I have tried ringing the balliff (mobile phone) but no answer.

Do not know what to do next with this one. Will they try and send debtor to prison?

Merlinexcalibur

Doesn't someone on MSE offer specialist advice on bailifs? Herbie 21 ... ? BTW, I am not being 'sarcastic' merely trying to help.

debttornado

Hi,
Herbie21 is the person to contact. If it is with bailiffs they are not in danger of prison - it has to be returned to the council as unrecoverable first.

SolicitorMidlands

I have been reading a lot since I posted on the internet about these people - they have form. I think I may get family member to ring the council tomorrow and just pay them direct. Is that possible?

RAS

Not likely but before your family member pays anything to them get a full breakdown of charges.

An OP posted yesterday having used a letter from Herbie21 and the £200 extra charge the equita bailiff added has been removed.

SolicitorMidlands

How do I get a breakdown?

RAS

Here is the letter from herbie that prompted the £200 reduction



You need to WRITE to Equita or better still send an e-mail to:

[EMAIL="info@equita.co.uk"]info@equita.co.uk[/EMAIL]

You need to say something along the following lines.

I refer to the above account in relation to unpaid council tax due to xxxx

As you will be aware from your files this account has been assed to your bailiff Mr xxx to enforce.

The query that I have is concerning the amount that your bailiff is now stating is due. You will be aware that your bailiff visited my premises on xxx and for this visit I am advised that Mr xxx may only charge a fee of £24.50 for "attending to levy where no levy was made". I am further advised that it would appear that Mr xxx is attempting to charge me an "enforcement fee" which is NOT provided for in the statutory regulations unless a valid levy was first undertaken. No levy has been made on my goods and no documentation provided as proof.

As a matter of urgency can you please provide a full and detailed breakdown of the charges made by your bailiff.

SolicitorMidlands

You are such a star - thank you. A friend of mine has a council tax issue too so have forwarded her this page. Thanks so much - I can sleep a bit easier now. I take on everyone's problems as my own!

RAS

PS - being cheeky - how much do you charge for the same service (I assume you are a solicitor)?