Rossendales debt recovery

the_people

I got an order through the door from a company called Rossendales about my council tax bill, now I didn't even know that this existed but I simply can't afford what they are asking for up front. They said I had to pay the lump sum (which is over 800 pounds) but eventually said they will set up a payment plan.

They are coming to my house today and said they can set up the payment plan is by coming into my house, is this true? I'm worried that if I don't comply with them then i'll just get more and more hassle and have my goods taken

fatbelly

They will be trying to access your goods by getting 'peaceable entry', i.e. you letting them in or entry through an unlocked door or window, or just accessing your car!

They will then put all kinds of pressure on you to make unreasonable payments. AND ADD UNREASONABLE CHARGES (charges are limited to £42.50 for two visits if they are unsuccessful)

You need to do a quick read of this factsheet. I'm sure others will add their thoughts soon...

Factsheet | Bailiffs and Council Tax

hallowitch

please don't under any circumstances let a bailiff into your home to levy goods if you have a car or anything of value outside your property move it now don't let the bailiff levy goods

the_people

Even though I spoke to her on the phone and told her to come round today (I arranged that last thursday) would I still be able to contact the council today and ask them to set up a payment plan?

hallowitch

don't let them in even though you told her to come round lock your doors and close your windows
do not speak to her everything must be done in writing
if she gets a levy on your property your bailiff fees will be £200 + if she doesn't your fees will be £42.50

you say you were unaware of the debt have you moved property's

the_people

hallowitch yes i believe it was from a previous property but like i said I had no idea about it. If I owe it then fair enough I will pay it through a payment plan but I cannot afford 100 or 200 pound lump sums here and there as i've got a 2 year old son

hallowitch

there is every chance you do not owe as much as £800 you may not owe anything

get in touch with the council and ask them for the liable period the debt relates to as some/all of this may be for after you moved


are you a single parent ,unemployed ,ill. pregnant (if your are you may be classed as a vulnerable debtor

Naf

As above:
Firstly; DO NOT LET THEM INTO YOUR HOME, WHATEVER THE PRETENCE THEY GIVE YOU.
Second; ensure all windows and doors are secure; either closed or with a latch that prevents further opening; if they can climb in they might (doesn't mean they should, mind).
Third; ensure all your goods are out of sight both outside and through windows
Fourth; contact the council in question asking what period this is for and what property.

There's an excellent guide to dealing with bailiffs on here somewhere... but I can't find it at present, sorry.

the_people

I live with my partner and son hallowitch. I don't want them keep coming back harrassing me though as my neighbours will see etc, she is due to arrive in an hour so should I just phone the council? If I don't answer the door then she'll just keep coming back though. I'm not avoiding paying but I don't want to deal with people like that i'd rather pay over the phone, but she said she can't set up a payment plan over the phone and MUST come to my property to do so.

Naf

Don't answer the door, get your car away to another street, close downstairs curtains and all doors and windows. Either phone and cancel, or go to an upstairs window and when she arrives tell her everything needs to be done by letter.
Once they get in, or even see your property, they can start making inventory of things they would like to get their hands on...

hallowitch

deal with the council don't deal with the bailiff please as this will cause you loads of fees and untold stress

the bailiff will come back regardless because after the levy she will expect you to pay an amount you cant afford this will result in a default therefore further bailiff visits and a van/attendance fee will be added they will then peruse you for the full amount outstanding and will visit constantly threatening to remove goods or if your payment is a day late this will result in the above again

as i said find out from the council the liable period

then write (e-mail ) to them (the council)and offer £xxx per week month by standing order make it clear its all you can afford as offering more will only result in default and put you back in the same position as you are now