Jacobs Bailiffs - Help

nic5554

A few months ago a Bailiff from Jacobs came to my door to say that I owed Council Tax from 6 years ago from a previous address and that I had to pay with 24 hours or they would remove things from my home.
That night I was so worried, I started looking around and found some threads on here telling me not to let them in and ring the Council so that what I did the morning after. I only lived at the address for 9 months yet the bill was for almost 14 months so they asked me to prove with bank statements etc that I only paid rent for the months I had stated. I asked them to take the debt back but they wouldn't but they held off for a week until I could provide statements. The problem was that the bank I used to pay my rent 6 years ago, I had closed so I am still trying to get access to these. I sent an email to the Council Tax office saying that until the matter was resolved I would pay £25 per week and if they owed me any money when we had figured it all out then they could deduct it from this years bill. I never had a reply but I have been paying the weekly amount anyway. I didn't hear anymore from the Bailiffs until last week when I received a letter saying I had 7 days to pay the full amount and then today while out, they called while I had workmen there and they left a letter with them for me and even asked their names. They have also whacked on loads of charges. I know that the charges law has changed in April this year but just wondered if anyone knew where I stood now with this and what exactly has changed? Can they now break in to take my things and how much do I legally have to pay the bailiffs etc?
Thanks.

JKSandy

I'm afraid I can't really offer advise, I would maybe get legal advice or at least contact the national debt line, they have a a bit on the below website.

I do know they can't break into your home and can only enter if you invite them in or leave a window or door open, so make sure everything is locked up.

Each time they visit they put another charge on, so you will need to sort this out ASAP.


https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/information/bailiff-action/Pages/default.aspx


EDIT: Someone from National Debtline posts on here, so maybe look/post at the debt threads

nic5554

I thought they were only allowed to charge for the first and second visit?

hallowitch

did you move to another property and pay council tax


as you said the rules have changed and I would suggest you post on here as this site had the most up to date information
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?168-Bailiffs-and-High-Court-Enforcement-Officers

nic5554

I moved in with my mum so my mum paid the bill there.

nic5554

I did ask the council if they could contact the landlord to provide proof or give me his details so that I could contact him but they refused. It was such a long time ago now that I do not have any details for him.

jonesMUFCforever

Although this question is in the wrong section I will answer - when exactly did they allege this happened?
I know you have acknowledged the debt and have been repaying a nominal amount but if this happened more than 6 years was the debt statute barred? Is there special rules for council tax - I don't know the answer just asking the question?


I would also check the CRA's to see if an actual CCJ has been recorded.

Gettingolder

I believe that the council will not register a ccj against a person, they go to court with the reference number so I do not think anything would be registered on his file.