Bailiff - Vulnerable household

dj0nes

Hey Guys,

Quick question,

Just to summarise, currently dealing with Marston who posted a card through my door yesterday saying I had till 7PM that day to pay £1,350 court fine for not declaring driver details (so criminal offence) long story short I wasn't aware of the proceedings so I am going to do a stat dec but in the meantime the bailiff was spouting all kinds of threats that if it wasn't paid by 7PM I would be arrested on a no bail warrant and committed to prison and that I can't do a stat dec in the magistrates court - funnily enough once I told him the call was being recorded he didn't repeat what he said and hung up.

I will sort this - I know it won't just go away so be it go back to court and do the stat dec or at the very least ask to be means tested, there is no chance in hell I can magic up £1,350 I just do not have it.

Anyways, getting to my question - my Dad is elderly he is 70+ and on medication for high blood pressure, my mother is on medication for high blood pressure, anxiety and depression all which I can prove with prescriptions - although they are not the debitor I live in their house so they will be affected by this, something which is absolutely nothing to do with them.

I don't care what the bailiff says or threatens me with it's water off a ducks back but they have genuine health issues and are only guilty of letting me live in their house.

I know being a vulnerable person doesn't make the fine go away but should this alone be enough for them to stop turning up at my parents door threatening locksmiths or are they only duty bound to approach differently if the actual debtor is vulnerable?

Thanks!

WhenIam64

Different companies have different rules but the common issue is that you have to tell the bailiff and the bailiff firm first. Try their website for their policy or see this advice.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/action-your-creditor-can-take/bailiffs/how-bailiffs-should-treat-you/how-bailiffs-should-treat-you-if-youre-vulnerable/

You'll note the sections on not being believed as people who are not vulnerable, claim to be. You may need to provide evidence.

Stat Dec is the way forward but bear in mind that the warrant is live until the Stat Dec has been processed which can take up to 5 days - or longer as court admi is in a shocking state.

[Deleted User]

Being elderly doesn't necessarily make them vulnerable!

poppy10_2

Plus being 70+ is hardly considered elderly these days with the retirement age having been put up to 68. And having high blood pressure is extremely common and in most cases will not have any symptoms.