Jacobs Bailiffs - Charges and Advice needed!

Debt-Addled

I have just had Jacobs Bailiffs appear at my door with a 48 Hour Removal letter. This is for non-payment of council tax.

Typically enough, they tried to intimidate me by saying they would come back with a locksmith (I live in a rented apartment, and have NOT let them inside my property).

Now, The amount I previously owed was £743.86, and this included the charges for visits.

They have now appeared and want £912.86

Can they charge this? They have never entered my property, nor do they have any possessions. If they can't charge me this, who do I speak to? They are returning in 48 hours.

My brother has offered to help me out with the outstanding balance, but this amount seems wrong.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks!

Barricade

They wont return within 48hrs, and they cannot come back with a locksmith as no levy has been made.
The maximum he can charge without a levy is £24.50 for the first visit, and £18.00 for the second visit.

Continue to pay the council by online banking (they cannot refuse this)

Remember to keep all doors and windows locked, and under no circumstances let a bailiff in. At this point it gets more serious.
Write to their office and complain about the unfair charges and fees. Calling wont help. They are all arrogant pricks.

I dont suppose you have the persons name?

Debt-Addled

Thanks for the reply! I thought something was amiss.

I've just spoken to the council and they seem to think the charges should only be approximately £42.50.

I've done a breakdown.

I owed initially £801.36

This was raised to £843.86 with their charges.

I paid £100 off this so it went down to £743.86.

They are now charging me a wopping £912.86, so in addition to the £42.50 they have added a whopping £169.00.

The name on the letter of the bailiff is Mr. T. Wright. I'm not sure if this is the person that came to the door but given that the amount written is in handwriting, it's probably correct.

Now, I intend to pay the £743.86 off today. Should I just do this via the council tax website?

Thanks again!

Barricade

If you can do it via online banking, then do that.
Advise the council first hand, and inform them that you are paying them directly as you believe the charges Jacobs have put on are illegal and excessive.

The only recourse for this is that Jacobs could persue you for the £42.50, and as they are money grabbing thieves, I believe they will.

Debt-Addled

Barricade wrote: »

If you can do it via online banking, then do that.
Advise the council first hand, and inform them that you are paying them directly as you believe the charges Jacobs have put on are illegal and excessive.

The only recourse for this is that Jacobs could persue you for the £42.50, and as they are money grabbing thieves, I believe they will.

I don't mind paying that £42.50 - simply because it is at least documented within the council's own paperwork and listed charges.

The rest though... no. There's no way that they can be charging £169 for nothing.

Thanks for your help again.

Barricade

If you can pay the council direct using online banking, do this, as they cant refuse it. You will find their bank details on a council tax statement.

I would also compose either a letter, or email to Jacobs - the address will be on their letter, and the email is [EMAIL="info@jacobsbailiffs.co.uk"]info@jacobsbailiffs.co.uk[/EMAIL]
Something along the lines of:

Ref: XXXXXX

Dear Sirs,

Thank you for your hand delivered letter regarding the above account.
I write to inform you that I dispute all charges placed onto the account as they are excessive and illegal.
A bailiff acting on behalf of a council is allowed to charge a maximum £42.50 without levy. Your bailiff, Mr T Wright was abusive, intimidating and threatening.

I am currently seeking advice as to whether to report Mr Wright to the court at which he is certificated for his actions, and illegal charges.

I have today paid XXXX Council directly for the amount of £743.86. This is in addition to the £100 that Mr Wright recieved off me on [insert date]. On my original balance of £801.36, plus your £42.50 charges, this amounts to £843.86.

I now consider this matter closed.
I do not authorise anyone acting for, or on behalf of Jacobs to visit my property, and all communication MUST be in writing only.

Your Sincerely,

Debt-addled

Barricade

Sorry for the double post.. Firefox went NUTS

hallowitch

Jacobs my favourite bailiffs any help you need with this just let me know i will be more than happy to help The council tax (administration and enforcement)regulations (enforcement fees)


http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/docs/Enforcement_Agent_Charges.pdf

Barricade

hallowitch wrote: »

Jacobs my favourite bailiffs any help you need with this just let me know i will be more than happy to help The council tax (administration and enforcement)regulations (enforcement fees)


http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/docs/Enforcement_Agent_Charges.pdf

I need to scan in a document regarding jacobs, but i'll PM it to you. You'll love it

hallowitch

Barricade wrote: »

I need to scan in a document regarding Jacobs, but i'll PM it to you. You'll love it

Its thanks to Jacobs trying to scam my daughter that i know so much about bailiffs fees i will look forward to my PM :j

Debt-Addled

It is done! I paid off the whole amount directly via online banking today and sent the e-mail.

Let's see what happens now!