Bailiffs fees - urgent help needed

struggling2011

I'm self-employed and struggling like many at the moment and got behind with Council Tax.

The debt was passed to Rossendales.

The first visit was made by them in late January when I spoke to him. A second visit was made but I was out and forms were left for me to send to arrange a repayment plan.

Sent the forms back with a cheque for £100. I also phoned the original bailiff to tell him but he didn't answer his phone or return my call.

I heard nothing again until Friday when I got a visit from a different bailiff from Rossendales.

He said they hadn't received the cheque and that he was here to take possession of goods.

The original debt for Council Tax was £857.04. 1st and 2nd visit charges were for a total of £42.50 so total debt was £899.54.

On Friday the debt had risen to £1080.

I paid £940 there and then (fortunately my partner had just been paid so we had the money) with the balance to paid on Monday.

No goods were sized / lists made etc.

So, do I still need to pay the additional amount over and above the £899.54 if goods weren't taken?

If someone can advise me quickly as I really don't want to pay if I don't need to, but on the other hand I'll pay it to get them off my back.

king100

If no levy made then all they can do is charge you for 2 visits and they are correct at £42.50.

If you didnt sign anything and no l;evy was made then they cannot charge you.

They cannot charge you for waiting time, and can only charge a max of 2 visits.

Head over to CAG - Consumer Action Group and head to Debt Forums, there is a specific forum for bailiffs. There are also letters that need to be sent and I dont have access to forum at work.

In the meantime do not let the bailiffs in, keep all doors locked and windows. Do not park you car if you have one near on on your drive as they will levy on that,park it round the corner.

One letter that needs to be sent is to the council asking how much liability order was for.

To the bailiff you need to ask for a breakdown of charges.

But CAG will have all these.

struggling2011

Thanks for the quick reply

My main concern is that on Friday he said I had to pay the remaining £140 or they would be back to sieze goods.

Unfortunately I have a shop and live above it so can't actually keep them out unless I keep all my customers out too. So keeping windows and doors locked is difficult when I have to have the door open so my customers can get in.

king100

What is the council tax for the flat upstairs or for the shop? Shop usually has business rates.

If for the flat then make sure access is locked up at all times?

They cannot take goods from your shop as that has nothing to do with your personal situation.

Get onto CAG - Consumer Action Group as there are people over there that will help.

king100

Also you could pay the £140 then go after any unlawful charges. You have 6 years to do this.

Did the bailiff tell you the amount you needed to pay, have you checked this out with the council. Just ring them up and ask how much the liability order is for?