Council Tax Arrears Bailiff Refuses Step Change Payment Plan

michaels

A relative of mine buried their head in the sand and got their council tax arrears passed to the bailiffs. I am trying to help out and directed them to the step change website. This came up with a suggested council tax arrangement of £3 per month on a debt originally 260 but now 300+ after fees.

They posted the stuff to the bailiff who have responded in writing that they refuse the proposed settlement plan and are demanding payment within 5 days. Relative has no funds and no assets and on an income of 400pm, very little spare money.

What are the options from here. Council said debt will only come back to them if the bailiffs gain access and determine that there really are no assets but admitting the bailiffs seems like a big step to take. Is there no way of getting the bailiffs to accept the payment plan as otherwise there just seems to be a stand off with ever increasing fees.

Sorry no SOA but as I am asking on someone else's behalf I don't think I should post it without permission.

fatbelly

The bailiffs were never going to accept an arrangement to pay over 100 months.

1. Do not give the bailiffs access. The council have told you half the truth - it also will be returned to them after two failed visits, but with smaller fees added (£42.50)

2. Are there other debts? If so, how much is the total?

3. Have you checked she is getting all the benefits she is entitled to? https://www.turn2us.org.uk

4. Is she receiving a means tested benefit like Income support, JSA or income based ESA?

CIS

1. Do not give the bailiffs access. The council have told you half the truth - it also will be returned to them after two failed visits, but with smaller fees added (£42.50)

The bailiff can only charge for the 2 visits but they can attend the property as often as he wishes. Whether the bailiff returns it straight away or not depends on the bailiff and their contract with the council.

RAS

Council tax debt is a priority debt so step-shange is not really relevant.

Is the debtor in receipt of any benefits? The Council can take the debt back and deduct £3.80 per week to cover the debt.

And is the Council's back office run by Equita who also own two bailiff firms? The advice they give usually encourages the debtor to allow bailiff access and to charge more fees.