Help please

richkitch

Hi I went to my old house today and had a letter from a collection agancy ((rossendales) saying I owed £135 in housing benefit. I left my house in March and I have had no correspondance from them. I went into the council offices and told them I was leaving the country, which I did for 3 months. They said I owed nothing and was not owed anything.

Now I have a final notice saying I must pay or I will be taken to court but i dont have the cash. Can they take me to court seeing as I have just found out about this?

I hope you can help. Cheers Rich

UnderPressure

OK first thing you need to do is speak to the council explaining the above and ask them how you owe this money.

If it transpires you do owe them then see if they will accpet a monthly arrangement, it is only a small amount so the court threat may be a hoax but you never know, try and sort it out direct with the council though this will be your best bet.

If you are sure you do not owe the debt tell them that and also you will be defending any court claim because as far as you are concerned you dont owe them anything, would have been better if you got something off them before your travels in writing confirming you do not owe them hindsight is a wonderfult thing lol I know only too well.

This is just my opinion so hang fire for more replies, there are some fantastic people on this forum with great knowledge so dont take my reply as 100% correct, keep an eye on this thread I am sure other will respond soon........

DarkConvict

From previous topic for others reference

DarkConvict wrote: »

The bailiffs office should have contacted you to recover the money. If you failed to respond they issue a CCJ. only if you fail to attend the hearing/pay the CCJ, would the bailiffs be used. The procedure is here - http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/TendringDC/Community/Benefits/Benefits+-+Overpayment+of+Housing+Benefit.htm