Collection company/Bailif help needed

loopylass30

I got a letter 2 days ago posted through my door from a collections/bailif company, i was previously making payments 2 my council alltho they did break down in december due to my employment ending, i recieved no warning from the council no letter from the courts asking about income and outgoings, i contacted the bailif and tried 2 resolve this matter to be told i have 2 pay £60 a week, currenty im still unemployed and i have 2 small children and explained i could not afford this amount and offered them £30 which was refused, what i cant understand is my bill was for just over £500 but there demanding over £1,ooo ive been back in touch with the council but that was a total waste of time so i contacted the CAB and the national debt helpline, im now im the process of putting a complaint against the council and also the collections company as what they have written/threatened me in the letter they sent is apparently against the law according to national debt helpline, so its purely written 2 scare / intimidate me, saying things like they will attend me property with a locksmith and remove goods ect, also the charges they have added on are way over the top and not what the guidelines say they will charge, this matter is far from resolved yet so any other advide would be gratefull.

I forgot 2 add that this is a coucil tax debt.

tigerlily

What a horrible thing to have happened to you. I don't really know what to advise apart from keep any paperwork, records of phone calls made etc including any offers you have made. I really hope this gets sorted out for you.

THE_LONE_RANGER_4

Have You Been Taken To Court ? If So There Is Not Much You Can Do As The Baliffs Will Take Your Goods You Will Have To Pay And Complain Later Can You Move Your Best Items Out Until They Have Been ? They Will Then Have To GO Back And Do An Attachment Of Earnings Etc Sorry I Cant Suggest Any Thing Else Also Can You Sell Anything Better You Sell Than Them (you Must Ensure You Always Pay Your Priority Debts Forget Unsecured For Now ,rent, Council Tax, Water Rates Tv Licence Etc ) All The Best

loopylass30

No ive not been taken to court, not yet anyway ....although saying that the total bill says inclusive of all enforcement and court costs, but im presuming thats a standard thing as its not gone as far as court yet

fatbelly

The council will already have a liability order against you - from the magistrates Court. If the CAB are dealing with it then wait to see what they negotiate.

In the meantime, do not allow the bailiffs entry as they can only force entry on a subsequent visit if they have been permitted entry earlier.

If you have a car, don't park it outside your house as that is the most popular item.

loopylass30

Surely if they had taken me to court they would have informed me ? or dont they have 2 inform you if your behind on payments, this is all so confusing to me and has me worried sick, i keep bursting into tears when ever i try 2 talk about it with some 1

fatbelly

Moneymare has outlined the procedure on this thread:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=170743
There's a factsheet here

loopylass30

Thanks fatbelly, ive read that and its very helpfull, just waiting for the stuff 2 arrive from national debt helpline and im back off down 2 the council to put a complaint in, got a appt with the cab debt advisor on monday at 11.30, they have also contacted the creit collection company on my behalf and asked them 2 take no further action until they hear back from them, this had 2 be done in writing so i signed and gave them permission to act on my behlaf, so ill see how monday goes now then ill let yas know

fatbelly

Well done!! :T

tigerlily

Well done, sounds like a big step in the right direction!!