Jacobs Bailiffs - Removal 5pm Letter

Mticker

Hi,

Through my own stupidity i got into Council Tax arrears at my old address as received a visit from a Jacobs Bailiff this morning informing me that he would be coming back at 5pm to remove goods for the debt. I tried to make arrangements to pay 100 immediately and then 100 a month thereafter but he rejected that and said i would have to try and pay the debt in full (949.68) by 5pm today.

The letter he handed me reaffirms this and states 'Full payment is required to prevent enforcement action. REMOVAL may take place even in your absence.'

Does this mean he can force entry to my home by breaking the lock on my door? I live in a flat with a communal hallway and entrance which is easily accessible.

What can i do? I've tried to raise more money but i have nothing of value to sell or anyone i can borrow the money from.

Thanks in advance for any help/info you can provide/

marleyboy

Once they enter your property and realise you have nothing of any value. They will quickly decide that instalments is their best and only option.

The old phrase you can't get blood out of a stone comes to mind.

pmlindyloo

Read this:
http://www.stepchange.org/Debtinformationandadvice/Whatyourcreditorscando/Courtaction/EnglandWalescourtaction/Bailiffs.aspx

and then give them a call so they can confirm what powers the bailiffs have and how you should proceed.

CIS

Unless an enforcement agent has already been in to the property and listed goods to take control of them then he cannot use force to re-enter the property to remove goods.

He could levy on goods outside the property or in public areas if he knows they are yours.

Marktheshark

Did you let them in the property ?
No they can not break in, they can use non destructive entry such as a locksmith but usually they lie and bluff they will get one.
Even then, you can secure the door with bolts and chains.

Mticker

No i didn't let him in, I spoke to him on the door-step of the main entrance - that is the first time i've seen/spoken to anyone about this. I\ve managed to raise 250 and am hoping that is enough for now.

National_Debtline

Hi

Bailiffs often say they want full payment or more than the debtor can afford but it mainly seems designed to add pressure.

The key thing is to show willingness to pay based on an affordable amount. You can complete a SOA to demonstrate how much is realistically affordable for you. If the bailiff refuses to take your instalments save them up. If you do not let the bailiff into your flat you will be in a much stronger position to negotiate instalments you can afford.

As CIS says, a council tax bailiff can only force entry into your own lockable flat if they have previously been allowed inside by peaceable means and taken control of your belongings by listing them. If you have any belongings outside such as a vehicle keep it in a garage or well out of the way for now.


Our council tax factsheet goes into more detail here:

www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/02%20EW%20Council%20tax%20recovery/Default.aspx

James
@natdebtline

Just2Ashamed

You've had some really good advice and there's nothing further I can add, but I just wanted to send you my best wishes, it must be a very worrying time. I hope you're able to come to an agreement you can afford.

Herbie21

The importance of addressing the initial letter (Notice of Enforcement) from the enforcement company cannot be underestimated.

When a debt is passed to an enforcement company a 'Compliance fee' of £75 is added and the letter will outline the amount of the debt and future fees that will be added if either full payment is not forthcoming or a payment proposal submitted. With council tax debts, most enforcement companies will accept repayment over a period of between 3-6 months (sometimes slightly more).

The above will avoid a personal visit and an 'enforcement fee' of £235.