Rossendales Bailiffs, can he still call?

stephaniexo

Hi All, I'm new to this forum, in the hope that someone could help us
(myself and my mum), and I'm writing on behalf of her.

Yesterday we had a knock at the door, I was the only one in as mum was working, and I was handed over a letter to give to her. When mum got back, after opening it, it was a notice from Rossendale Bailiffs telling her she had 24hours until he was going to call again to collect £400 minimum in full, or may have our goods removed. The letter was titled 'Bailiff Removal'. The £400 is from unpaid council tax that has been passed onto the Bailiffs.

As he called at 1pm yesterday, it has now been more than 24 hours, but he hasn't turned up. My question, should we still be worried that he could turn up tonight, or perhaps tomorrow? What time do bailiffs generally work until? We have been keeping an eye out for anyone approaching our house today, kept all values out of sight, and all doors/windows locked just as a precaution, but he never turned up today. As I'm on my own tonight (mums working night shifts until 9pm), does anyone have any guideance/advice for me, being her 17 y.o daughter in on my own tonight, in the chance that he does call? I have no intention of answering the door to him, but I myself have been a nervous wreck all day! (Lets just say he wasn't the happiest of chaps when he came yesterday)

Thanks, Steph

Barricade

The bailiff cannot barge in past you.
Keep all windows and doors locked. If somewhere IS open, he can legally enter.

He can charge you a fee for a first visit, and second visit. (£24.50 for the first, £18.00 for the second)
He can also levy on vehicles he believes are owned by the debtor (in this case your mother). However these can be removed if proven otherwise.
He probably will try and add additional "costs" - these are nonsense and cannot legally be charged

If he does come, do NOT open the door, and if spoken to, simply tell him that all communication MUST be in writing.

I think the best comment I've seen by far lately is "Council tax bailiffs have as much right as a milkman" - essentially.. none!
If he tries to blag the "we'll get a locksmith" arguement.. ignore it. Without peaceful entry and a levy, he cant do jack!

Get your mother to contact the council and ask the for the debt to be taken back, and arrange to pay it off, ontop of the current council tax payment.
Alternatively, pay the money electronically (online banking) - as the council cannot refuse this.

RAS

As you are legally a minor (under 18), I do not believe you are legally able to give the bailiff the right of peaceful entry.

Keep the doors and windows locked. Do not worry about him as ling as you do that.

What he is hoping is that your mum will let him in and then he can add £100 for a WPO and then if your mum fails to pay and installment, he can add £150 van fees.

So you both need to keep him out as letting him in will cost a lot more.

Your mum need to ring the Council tomorrow morning and ask how much the Liability Order was for. They can add about £70 to the original debt for the LO and £42.50 for two visits.

The best bet is either to pay something towards the debt on-line if she can, or to write with a cheque towards the debt.

Avoid speaking to a bailiff as most are effective bullies.

CIS

The bailiff should not enter the property only occupied by a minor - this will be convered in most council bailiff guidelines and the national enforcement standard states the bailiff should withdraw if the only occupier appears underage and TBH any half sensible bailiff would not put themselves in a position of trying to enter the property under these circumstances.