Please Reply Asap!!!?????

dogwoof

HI

I really need some advise ASAP!!!!! as i am on a computer at library and do not have access to one at home.

we are behind and have had trouble making payments for our council tax and the bailiffs are coming round.

ive offered to make payment to the council but they said the bailffs will still come round, whats the point of this ?

they said they charge £25 each time they come.

i am terrified that they'll be threatening

can we ignore them?????? and just pay the council payments til we clear the debt?

i was told they cannot enter our property can they hang around outside side though watching for us coming in?


please help kim

rayday2

You need to get in touch with your local Citizens Advice Bureau or ring the national debt helpline.

Council tax is a priority debt and one you by law have to pay for so you need to arrange a suitable way of paying the backlog off.

0808 808 4000 - This is national debthelpline phone number your local library should know your local details for CAB

fiveyearplan

First of all, how much are you behind, how long has it been going on. My advice would be to phone the council and try and make a payment plan with them.

Please see previous post of yesterday by Wordsfan at 9:26 am. It will give you a quick reference of what you should do, what the council can do etc.

Good luck and remember a bailiff cannot enter your property or take goods. They can however enter through an open window so keep everything closed.

pania

Hi Kim, more advice coming very shortly but has the council issued a ccj against you for the council tax? very unlikely that they would've done this at this stage. It sounds like hot air trying to get you to cough up. If they are instructing bailiffs ask for the name of the company so you can call them and get it sorted over the phone.
Do you acknowledge this debt?
Is it over 6 years old?
Try to get online as much as poss and let us know your incomings outgoings etc. this site is fab for support and helping to maximise income in many ways, we'll see what we can do to help and point out areas it's possible to cut back.

Big hugs and sorry to hear of your situation.
Pania
xx

rayday2

I don't think council tax have to go to court as it is a legal obligation to pay. And they do mean business and can call and if gain access can itemise and come back and collect goods.

You can't ignore them forever you need to face this debt and tackle it contact one of the above now!

rog2

Unfortunately, Kim, the Council do not Have to issue CCJ's - they usually go through the local magistrate's court, who can instruct bailiffs to 'collect' the outstanding council tax.
This does NOT mean that Bailiffs have any more powers, they must STILL abide by the National Standards, which can be viewed here:

http://www.insolvecyhelpline.co.uk/identify_problem/bailiff_problems.htm#bg17

This means that they can not force entry, e.g. by breaking a window or pushing past you. It also means that they should treat you respectfully, and listen to any payment proposals.

I would, still, try to reason with the council, if at all possible.

CAB is probably your best bet at the moment.

Good luck.

RAS

Hi

other points to note, they cannot force entry, but if you leave the door unlocked they can knock and enter if no-one comes to the door. Keep it locked until you get it sorted out. Make sure kids and spouse understand this.

They will want to do a walking possession order (list things that they will take away if you do not pay up). If they cannot get in the house, they canty do this, but if you have a car, they can list that if it is on the drive for instance. So move it away from the house in the meantime as well.

Butlers1982

Its as simple as ring the council office and make a payment arrangement to clear the debt off before the end of the financial year.