Problem with Equita - please advise!

Glitterari

Well, the only visit they made and put a card through the door for was a few weeks before I paid.

I'll try to speak to him over the weekend and see what the charges are made up of.

Actually I have been looking over at consumeractiongroup.com - there is a section on there about bailiffs...it's just hard trying to get the right info together. When I speak to the bailiff I want to seem as if I know what I'm talking about. Not seem weak you know?

CLAPTON

try putting in 'council tax and bailiffs' into google and read the very useful information there.

the important point is that bailiffs that collect council tax have special regulations which are different from ordinary bailiffs.
you can therefore complain formally about them.

but first i would approach the council, explain what you have already paid, explain you have no statement of account from the DCA/bailiffs and that they are now demanding more money without giving any reason. If they wont help seek the help of your (mothers ) local gov councillor.

also the bailiffs must follow certain procedures ...for example there are restrictions on how much they can charge and they must leave you a leaflet with the information....if they haven't then phone them and say you are going to make a formal complaint to the council.

cattie1

i had similar prob with them-it was councils fault tho i was refered to baillifs when i was actually in credit and as i refused to pay it charges where wacked on-i went to local mp she sorted it, but i'm also sure if the baillifs have not sent any letters (they charge £15 for EVERY letter sent) but if they are sent after you had payed i'm sure you don't have to pay them. if they call they have to leave some something to say they called if they are going to charge you-surely!!! go 2 mp though. good luck.

nottslass_2

Have a look at the National Debt Line website ( sorry can't do links)
Baillifs who collect council Tax can only charge £22.50 for the first visit and £16.50 for a second visit. If they have not gained peaceafull entry they cannot charge anymore than this,or for more than two visits.However, If they have been let in, there are other charges and these are stated on the website. As I understand it Bailifs collecting council tax have to abide by slightly different laws. I strongly advise you to inform your local council that they are not obeying the law and make a formal complaint.

Good luck,be strong ,and don't let them get away with it !

MCBIRNIE25

Have a look at the consumer action group website, theres a thread on reclaiming those type of charges too.

Glitterari

Thanks everyone - I am getting a lot of useful advice over at CAG (as well as here!)

It's not looking so bleak now!

I'm off to go and google now

C xxx

Glitterari

OMG - I phoned Equita today, they said it's now with the bailiff nothing more to do with them and after refusing to talk anymore about it they gave me his number and cut me off mid sentence! Disgusting behaviour.

Spoke to bailiff - he said there's an outstanding amount of £157.50 -I said how come because I was told it was paid off in full and nothing more to worry about - he was very vague about telling me what it was for and said he 'guessed it was for enforcement and attendance fees'.

I asked for an itemised bill and again he was very vague and said he's visiting today or tomorrow. I told him mum would be at work so he wouldn't catch her and to leave a bill which he didn't really want to commit to - I bet he doesn't. Have asked for an address for correspondance which he gave me.

Grrrr.