Council tax arrears passed to bailiffs - what to do?

Mismatched

Hey guys,

I'm struggling a bit at the moment (sorry for legnth but thought i should tell teh full story). I have just received a letter from Equita, a bailiff company on behalf of my local council, demanding immediate payment of just over £1000 in unpaid council tax, or bailiffs will visit soon.

I do not have a lot of money - my partner works two part time jobs and we recieve housing benefits - I am currently unemployed and looking. We currently owe approximatley £10,000 from overdrafts and loans, and on advice from CCCS I am in the process of applying for a debt relief order. On advice of the council, i applied for council tax benefits about a week ago, still havn't heard back.

I'm wondering, after lurking on mse and reading advice from CAB and baliffadviceonline, if it is worth applying to the council to get them to take the debt back and forming a payment arrangement with them. I have had no contact with the bailiff except this letter that they have sent me. Really don't know what to do.

Thank you,
Mismatched xx

Eager_Elephant

How far in the process are you for a Debt Relief Order?

If you are just saving the £90 I think you are better off not paying anything to the bailiff company so the money can be used for your DRO fee.

If the bailiff calls do not answer the door and keep all doors and windows locked. If the bailiff gains entry and you sign a walking possession the debt will not be written off under the DRO.

EE

CIS

It is worth speaking to the council , as although they dont have to withdraw the case, the fact a DRO is going through indicates that you have no assets and its not likely worth chasing before the DRO but you would need evidence the DRO is going ahead soon.

Once the DRO is granted the bailiff action will need to be withdrawn in any case if the Council Tax is covered by the DRO.

Enfieldian

If you can, make any payments online to the council.