advice about bailifs

cyloman

i had bailifs round as i owed a fine for driving in pedestrian zone..the took down list of things in my flat, i offered to make payments of 25 pounds per fortnight as i am on jobseekers allowance. i stuggled and couldnt afford to keep payments as i have so many others coming out, then i got home to find letter from bailifs saying they had called to remove goods, and as i wasnt there for costs they have added 238 pounds.. i tried to ring but no answer...then i got letter few days later.. another 238 pounds added on.. what was a 108 pound fine is now 758 !! i managed to speak to bailif earlier... and he has given me til monday to get as much of the money as i can.. in the letter it said if i am not there they can break entry ,..is this true.. thanks ,

RAS

Hi

you need some specialist advice because this ghas got to this stage.

Things that people will need to know

1. What was listed on the list of stuff in the flat? Some things they can take, other they cannot.
2. What exactly these fees are for - as they can add much higher fee for fines than other types of debt.
2. Did you contact the court at any time to ask for a payment arrangment? if so, were you on benefits at the time?

You need to speak to NDL tonight. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/debt-help-plan?utm_source=forum&utm_medium=clicks&utm_campaign=resourcebar#help
They are still open.

I also suggest you consider taking to the bailiff advice line even if they are a premium rate service, because the situation is so serious. http://www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/

FTW

cyloman wrote: »

i had bailifs round as i owed a fine for driving in pedestrian zone..the took down list of things in my flat, i offered to make payments of 25 pounds per fortnight as i am on jobseekers allowance. i stuggled and couldnt afford to keep payments as i have so many others coming out, then i got home to find letter from bailifs saying they had called to remove goods, and as i wasnt there for costs they have added 238 pounds.. i tried to ring but no answer...then i got letter few days later.. another 238 pounds added on.. what was a 108 pound fine is now 758 !! i managed to speak to bailif earlier... and he has given me til monday to get as much of the money as i can.. in the letter it said if i am not there they can break entry ,..is this true.. thanks ,

For a start, I'd get a breakdown of these charges - sounds like they're trying it on. Which bailiff company is this?

recessionhater

It sounds like the bailiffs are claiming these letters are a "visit" - a practice described by Baroness Scotland the home office minister in the house of lords as fraud. A visit means they have to actually visit. A letter shoved through the door is not the same thing. But you need proper advice. For a start, the charges are out of any connection to the original debt.