Council Tax, bailiffs etc (long story)

Culex

funkyxmooover wrote: »

I feel like some complaint to the council is in order though, they lady I spoke to this morning said the debt could have been added to this tax year's payments but as it's in the bailiffs hands now it couldn't!!!!! Why didn't they do that before it went to court?! :-/

Here's why:

rosie-lee

I agree - ring your local councillor straight away.

If I understand this correctly.... regardless of the reason, you have an underpayment on your council tax bill. You were paying regular amounts to reduce this and there was no reason to think this would change.

I am appalled that a local council has the money and staff resources to take this to court and involve the baliffs. Surely any fool can see that the costs and manpower will far outweigh the debt.

Your local Councillor will be in a position to make noises about this and the timing, with so many cuts being made will also be prudent!

If nothing else, I am quite sure that he can put a stop to the anxiety and harrassment you are experiencing.

Don't be put off by the stories of useless MP's who couldn't give a monkeys or Councillors just on the fiddle. A lot of them are very normal people, as sick to death as you or I of senseless beurocracy.

Look on your council website, there will be a home or mobile number. A relative of mine is a Councillor, he takes calls at all times of day and night and considers it his duty to intervene on behalf of constituents experiencing difficulties with the Council. If not least, to ask the right questions to the right people and get you a clear picture.

KaKa_Con1

Please please help?? Bailiff needs 1180 on fri I have inly 500. He says that if thats all I have then tough!The removers will come in & charge £800 + VAT on top of my debt of 1180. I have been completely stupid and thought I could sort this out but I cant and am desperate for help/advice.I am a single mum working full time although I have been off sick having chemo for 5 wks. I really need advice as this is the last straw. Please help. x

Hannah_10

KaKa Con1 start a new thread and put a bit more information about it in that. Your comment will get lost on here.

funkyxmooover

rosie-lee wrote: »

I agree - ring your local councillor straight away.

If I understand this correctly.... regardless of the reason, you have an underpayment on your council tax bill. You were paying regular amounts to reduce this and there was no reason to think this would change.

I am appalled that a local council has the money and staff resources to take this to court and involve the baliffs. Surely any fool can see that the costs and manpower will far outweigh the debt.

Your local Councillor will be in a position to make noises about this and the timing, with so many cuts being made will also be prudent!

If nothing else, I am quite sure that he can put a stop to the anxiety and harrassment you are experiencing.

Don't be put off by the stories of useless MP's who couldn't give a monkeys or Councillors just on the fiddle. A lot of them are very normal people, as sick to death as you or I of senseless beurocracy.

Look on your council website, there will be a home or mobile number. A relative of mine is a Councillor, he takes calls at all times of day and night and considers it his duty to intervene on behalf of constituents experiencing difficulties with the Council. If not least, to ask the right questions to the right people and get you a clear picture.

I totally agree, we were clearing the debt before it went to court, it neededn't have gotten that far.

UPDATE on the situation;
My dad came round Tuesday because i was truly in a state, he took my phone and called the number on the letter and spoke to the guy on my behalf (after I'd said it was ok to talk to my dad about it) and now we have a plan; the bailiff was to come back and drop through my door an application for an installment plan and 4 paying in slips WITHOUT knocking on the door (which he did yesterday). I have to show my ingoing and outgoings and while this is being processed i have to use the paying in slips to make more token payments towards the debt.

Also it broke he entire amount down, it was £390 for the original amount owed to the council + costs (court costs i assume) , £24 for the 1st bailiff visit and then £18 for the visit yesterday to drop the paper work off.

Ho hummmmm. But he still isn't allowed in :-P

rosie-lee

Firstly, Stick with your plan to save yourself from further stress but
please ring your local Councillor. You shouldn't even be in the position of paying baliff fees.

If you were genuinally making regular payments, them somewhere within their charter (I stumbled upon it during lengthy planning problems)the Authorities have a responsibility not to put anyone under 'undue financial pressure', Adding to your debt, covers that.

Even in staff time alone the Council have also incurred costs, just by involving the baliffs, a perfect example of time & money wastage. And at a time when much needed & vital services are being cut, let alone job losses.


Your case has been 'blown out of proportion' in my opinion. I'm not suggesting that you spearhead a campaign but please pass on your example to someone who 'has a voice'. Your local Councillors rely on your vote and will work hard, on your behalf, to gain it.

Honestly I'm not a Councillor!!!, just someone who believes in making those who wish to represent us, do just that. And they can't do that, if they don't know what's really going on behind all the reports & figures.

Culex

funkyxmooover wrote: »

Also it broke he entire amount down, it was £390 for the original amount owed to the council + costs (court costs i assume) , £24 for the 1st bailiff visit and then £18 for the visit yesterday to drop the paper work off.

It's still wrong, as those figures only add up to £432, not the £434 you were previously quoted' why were you apparently being charged a further £20, when the second visit by a bailiff had not yet been made?

A cynic might wonder if the £20 extra would go into the bailiff's own pocket.