Where do I start with it all?!

SandeC

I've spoken to my mum this afternoon and she's going to pay for the DRO. I don't really see the point in it either but it's what I've been told to do.

I was also told to continue paying my council tax as normal. However, the remainder of this year is included in the debt that is now with the bailiffs. So would I be right in thinking that technically I wouldn't have to pay this until the new bill comes in in April? Or would it be a good idea to pay it anyway as StepChange have advised it?

fatbelly

SandeC wrote: »

I've spoken to my mum this afternoon and she's going to pay for the DRO. I don't really see the point in it either but it's what I've been told to do.

I was also told to continue paying my council tax as normal. However, the remainder of this year is included in the debt that is now with the bailiffs. So would I be right in thinking that technically I wouldn't have to pay this until the new bill comes in in April? Or would it be a good idea to pay it anyway as StepChange have advised it?

Yes, you won't have any liability for council tax till the new tax year.

This year's will be frozen as soon as the DRO is approved and then written off at the 12 month point.

So why continue to pay the bailiff now? I guess stepchange think they can argue that you are not treating them preferentially because it is a priority debt and also because if they take control of goods then the DRO doesn't stop them from removing those goods. If you are at the £75 fee stage then missing payments could trigger the £235 fee.

Provided that you understand all this I don't see the point in paying bailiffs ahead of the DRO. Where bailiffs are involved I certainly wouldn't be sending them a letter telling them about the DRO as that means that they would know that time is short for accessing your goods.

To be clear, once a DRO is approved you must not make payments to a debt within it, with the exceptions of rent arrears for where you are living, as you are considered to be doing this to secure your accommodation, not to repay a debt, and paying bailiffs in order to retain goods that they have taken control of. This is a bit of a can of worms because you have to make those payments out of your surplus income, which must be less than £50. And any goods that thee bailiff has accessed have still to be listed and valued as yours, and are subject to the usual limits (£1k for a car, 1k for other assets)

SandeC

Thanks Fatbelly. My rent arrears are now clear, I think I'm now about £7 in credit with that. I have 2 rent-free weeks over Christmas, but I'm going to pay through those to get myself 2 weeks in advance, which is what the housing association likes us to be.

I've already had the £235 fee from the bailiff, however he hasn't taken control of any goods, nor do I have any intention in letting him. When the DRO is in place am I right in thinking he won't be able to take control of anything?

fatbelly

SandeC wrote: »

I've already had the £235 fee from the bailiff, however he hasn't taken control of any goods, nor do I have any intention in letting him. When the DRO is in place am I right in thinking he won't be able to take control of anything?

Absolutely!

Willowpop

Hiya SandeC!
Just catching up with your thread...and WOW, well done on the breakdown insurance, that's a massive saving! You must be SO pleased! :beer:
What a great start to your newer frugal life!!

General grocery costs...have you ever seen this website: http://jackatapinch.com/ She has some amazing recipes online, and if you have a library near you, then she has a couple of books out - her 1st is the best one I think, it's called a girl called Jack. A lot of the recipes from the books are online though, so I'd try it from the library 1st though and see if you'd benefit before buying or whether the online recipes are enough. I cook from one of her recipes most nights!!:)

I hope that now the ball is rolling you feel a bit more in control. I know until I sat down and listed all debts and seriously looked at and cut outgoings I used to feel sick going onto online banking etc..but once I took control, I felt a whole lot better.

Keep going, you're doing great! :T

Brightspark87

Hi

Having just joined you well done on progressing so well so quickly.

I tend to do online shops too, mainly, because I dont overspend. Although it might not be the cheapest supermarket I bought a yearly free pass from sainsburys (after trying them all out to get the 'discounts' etc) so it costs me £30 a year and I get free deliveries. They often have products you can try for free etc too. They give you a refund if you have any issues too and sometimes and extra £10 off £50 shop etc so I stock up then.

Good luck! x