Newlyn Rip Off -Still Chasing Me!

Joannalewis

Hi All,

About a year and half ago I built up some council tax debt of about £400. It was passed onto Newlyn and I made an arrangement with them over the phone to pay it off in 3 installments. After paying the first installment the next month I had some extra money so decided to pay it off in full, which I did via an automated payment system.

I was quite relieved and felt I'd done the responsible thing in paying it off faster than arranged.

Then later I got a letter from them demanding I pay £250+. I called them only to be told that instead of paying £110 in the first instalment I had payed only £106. This was a mistake of communication as there is obviously no reason for me to underpay by £4 when paying off a large amount like that.

The guy on the phone insisted I was in breach of my arrangement, hence the fine. I was so upset and have since refused to answer their letters and since I don't drive had figured that they couldn't touch me.

I've now moved to my Mums place for a few months and to my surprise they have sent the same threatening letter there.
Since my Mum does drive i'm concerned that they're try to clamp her car and would like to know what I should do.

I feel absolute moral indignation about the charge they have placed upon me and will never pay them unless I have to.

Please can someone give me some advice?

Thanks

Jo

RAS

Newlyn cannot fine you; only the courts can do that.

You need to start by telling us a few facts.

How much was the original liability order for? You need to ring the Council to get the answer, not Newlyn.

Did the bailiff ever come into your house and did you sign any documents? If so, what document did you sign and please type it out here.

Otherwise, what documents did the bailiff leave at your property?

Joannalewis

Sorry for not replying straight away. I thought that I was square with the council and it seems that maybe I was mistaken. To be honest I'm writing on Saturday and I should have contacted the council earlier when the forum member above replied.

Today I was served with a Notice of Distress saying that I owe Newlyn £648. I have just checked my mail that I've stored and have actually seen that there was a summons served on me back in April that out of my own stupidity I didn't know about. What I'm confused about is the fact that I thought I had a separate arrangement with the council and thought I was ok with them but it seems that this isn't the case and I should have checked my mail.

The Notice of Distress had a hand written line at the bottom identifying my neighbour's car (I'm staying with my Mum temporarily). I called them and the guy on the phone was very rude and said that although they wouldn't take my neighbour's car they would take my goods if I couldn't pay the full amount.

I should add that they had been chasing me for a lesser amount from a previous issue with the council tax where I had paid in full but missed a payment by £6 due to a point of confusion on the phone and then paid it all off before the due date – yet they still hounded me for a fine of £254. This is why I have ignored them, because I assumed it was this spurious and malicious charge….

I have some questions.

1) Assuming that I have messed up with the council debt (i will call the council on Monday) I assume I have to pay Newlyn. But it can't be as much as £600 unless they've wacked some fees on.

2) If they posted this by hand today, why didn't they ring the bell to talk to me?

3) Should I let them in if they do call? I asked if I could make a payment arrangement with them over the phone but they said they had no obligation to. Is this correct?

Please help. I’m living with my Mother saving up to rent another place and this is a big shock. I’m also very aware that I have a big issue with money and although I earn a reasonable salary I find it very hard to manage and need to seek help. So anything in that direction would also be appreciated. I’ve heard about Debtors Anonymous and a few others and would be receptive to feedback or general advice, as well as the specifics of what I’ve laid out.
Thanks in advance

Jo