Have you experience or a view on what action bailiffs should take?

lighter_2

Bailiffs are threatening enough without having complete powers of entry. In most cases the activities of bailiffs are requested by large organisations intimidating ‘small’ people. Bailiffs attending a private house should always be accompanied by an independent witness.It should be a criminal offence to seize property during a dispute over mistaken identity, with prosecution for theft and compensation of double the amount claimed.

ronsmsn

Although it must always be remembered that the organisations we get credit from have only one function, to produce profits for their shareholders. It is therefore reasonable that they do not wish to loose money through non return of monies loaned.

On the other hand there is, as yet, a subtle change happening within our British society that has the danger of returning us back to some less desirable Victorian attitudes, especially towards those who fail to keep up or otherwise comply with the norms of the ruling classes. For that reason I believe we should be very wary of any changes to our laws and norms that allow those classes, or the corporations they represent, to introduce anything that is even mildly draconian.

I for one don’t feel represented by the people who are supposed to represent me and attempt to create a society for all – I definitely shall not be voting at the next election but will concentrate on paying my debts and then look to move to another part of the world where societal values are still not declining.

angelavdavis

All that Governments seem to do these days, in my opinions, is keep the poor on the poverty line, and feather the nests of the wealthy - who fund the Government with their "contributions".

I have been completely shocked at the tactics of these so called "enforcers" and the experiences of people on this site - both ones who know they have debts they need to answer for, and those that are incorrectly accused - constant phone calls, nasty letters, neighbours being harrassed, knocks on doors, responses being ignored, etc.

In addition, my eyes have been opened to the reaction of the banks and credit agencies that have been harrassing people when landed with a request for charge refunds or debt management plans. These are not people seeking to run away from responsibilities - these are people who are actively trying to resolve the situation to the best of their legal responsibilities.

I find it absolutely incredible that a Western Government is looking to introduce such powers thereby legalising the bullying, intimidating tactics of these organisations that we usually associated with uncivilised, lawless states.

mags24

A trend seems to exist and is accelerating whereby the law is being used to encourage behaviour that used to come about by societal and community pressure to conform.

A few years back, if kids were hanging about on the street after dark, the neighbours would complain to the parents and they were kept in. Now, the police are involved and ASBOs are bandied about.

The assumption continually seems to come from Government that we are all scumbags that are "trying to get away with it", therefore they need to keep an eye on all of us with databases and computer-sez-no. What happened to fairness and negotiation? Bailiffs with the right to assume anyone beind a door they chose to knock-down is guilty is just another step in this direction. Not a good thing.

Debt_shy

starkj wrote: »

The key lesson is companies should not lend to people who already have poor credit history.

What worries me is the fact that identities can be stolen then it won’t matter who has a poor credit rating!! We are all potentially at risk from a visit from an over zealot bailiff and unless some kind of regulation is in place where do we go for help?

Warriorsith

Hi All

I've recieved a letter from Rossendales who are Bailiffs stating that an outstanding amount of £378 for Council Tax is due and that they'll send a bailiff around to collect 'goods' totalling that amount, we have just this week sent a payment off which brings the remaining total to £252.

As I've never been in this situation can someone explain what will happen, will the bailiff breakdown the door, what rights do I have?

Winger

starkj wrote: »

How can anyone see bailiffs having these powers being a good thing?

Obviously the poeple who think it could never happen to them.

How many innocent people will suffer?

It won't save police time, apart from the police ignoring claims of people being assaulted by bailiffs. Police have to be there to control the two parties.

The key lesson is companies should not lend to people who already have poor credit history.

I am new to boards but can't help thinking that it's the lending system that's the problem. I agree with the enclosed 'key lesson.' If I lent to someone I would want absolute proof of ID (Fingerprint?) and if my system has you as a defaulter then I can't lend you anything. Better a cash economy than let the fat cats employ bully boy tactics.

If the law passes I think I'll send the baliffs to my local MP's address to collect a debt from D.Duck. - Anyone join me?

exil

Since most people who visit this forum are in debt we're getting an understandable reaction to bailiffs here.

But - what should a creditor be able to do to recover a debt? Particularly when they know the debtor actually has a couple of Jaguars and a houseful of expensive electronic gadgets. Say - you're a painter and have decorated someone's house but they refuse to pay you?

Charis

exil wrote: »

Since most people who visit this forum are in debt we're getting an understandable reaction to bailiffs here.

But - what should a creditor be able to do to recover a debt? Particularly when they know the debtor actually has a couple of Jaguars and a houseful of expensive electronic gadgets. Say - you're a painter and have decorated someone's house but they refuse to pay you?

Isn't that why we have a legal system and a Police force? We even have a small claims court now, which should be backed up by some kind of response by the courts if the money is not forthcoming. Or am I still living in the
1960's?

2Princess_Mum

I wonder what view the courts would take if you claimed you attacked the bailiff in self defence - for example, you're woken from your sleep by the sound of an intruder, tiptoe downstairs and club him round the head with a baseball bat, believing he gained entry to steal goods (please note I do not condone violence).

I've not been unfortunate enough to have personally entertained these individuals, so presumably if the police do not accompany them when they seize your goods, it's a plausible excuse - isnt it???