Hi. We need advice on council tax arrears

ninulya

Hi.
I really need your advice not judgement.
My story is very complicated but to cut it short I just say that over a period of 1,5 year 2006-08 we didn't pay council tax. The reasons are I didn't work as I was pregnant and later had to look after young child. My husband is self-employed and those days he had lots of time off work. We didn't apply for any council tax or housing benefits, tried to keep up with rent. It was difficult time.
Later we moved to a different property and now council reffered us to bailifs. Lots of mail and home visits now. There is a probably a huge ammount to pay if you add all additional charges and fees.
Currently I work part time and my OH is out of contract right now.
I will apreciate any advice. Thanks

RAS

Hi

have the bailiffs been in your house or made a levy against anything like a car that is outside?

niccatw

Hi ninulya

If you can proove to your council tax office that you might have been due reductions or exemptions at that particular time, then they will recalcualte the debt to take that into account. For example, I was in arrears in 2007 and DCA billed me for the entire bill. Because I could prove I was entitled to single person's discount, they re-calculated the amount and I was only liable for the reduced amount.

I'm not sure how easy this will be if you didn't apply for housing benefits at the time and perhaps the CItizen's advice bureau could help you there? If you can't proove it, the chances are they won't reduce the amount you are liable for.

However, you don't need to pay more than you can afford. Deal with the DCA in writing only, and state in your letter that they are not to call you. DOn't answer the phone to them. Offer them a payment you can afford and set this up as a standing order or direct debit asap. They will likelt reject your offer and say they want more, but if it's all you can afford, it's all you can afford. Continue telling them that's all you can afford and continue paying them. And keep all the paperwork. That way, if they threaten court action, you can proove you have been paying waht you can afford and the court will likely bo ok with that.

Good luck

RAS

Hi

Bailiff are not DCAs and if they get in the house can enter anytime they want in the future. They will charge substantial fees for this and if you do not pay,they can remove the goods on the levy. They do not need court permission to do this.

it is important that you do not allow them in the house.

niccatw

Hi

RAS is right, bailiffs and DCAs are very different - sorry, my mistake.

Agree with RAS, don't let them in your house.

I think it'd really help if you could get an appointment with your local citizens advice bureau or perhaps contact the CCCS http://www.cccs.co.uk/, PayPlan http://www.payplan.com/ or National Debtline http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/ to get more indepth advice. All are free.

kakanodebt

Hello x

If the bailiffs have not been in DONT LET THEM IN!! if you let them in they have greater powers If the bailiffs cannot get in they can't levy on your goods then they will refer it back to the local auth....eventually. The Local auth are more likely to accept and offer Non Payment of council tax could result in in committal to prision.

Contact your local CAB from my experience they have excellent links with their local auth...good luck xx

ninulya

Thank you all. A lot of helpful information. Bailifs haven't been inside. We have only personal belongings and baby staff anyway. No car

monstermoo

Hi

Defo go to a CAB or advise worker. Your LA may have this service. Try your local authorty website for info on discounts, however if 2 adults occupied the prop, you will not be entitled to anything as CT is not based on your income.

Have you given an offer to the bailiffs?

How much do you earn and is your partner on the bill and or benefits?

You could contact the LA with a breakdown expenditure and offer. Maybe.