Marston holdings

Ashjoe98

Hi everyone please help I have just had a bailiff at my door, I let her in as she said she they would come take all my stuff if I didnt:( it's called Marston holdings. For council tax £683 me and my partner both don't work he is autistic and gets PIP.  She came in and listed all my stuff even stuff that I rent from a company. My microwave, toaster, kettle and now when I next get paid she said I have to pay 82 then every month till October its 86 pound. When I had a payment plan with them it was £25 a month how can it be 4x that I now have to pay:( am I better off applying for a dro as I have other debts too. Thank you

Ashjoe98

She also listed my table and chairs?? 

Willing2Learn

Hi Ashjoe98 and welcome to the forum 

Someone will be along shortly with advice and guidance on what you should do and not do.

In the meantime, the following is copied and pasted from StepChange:

"You may be wondering what bailiffs can take when they’re used to collect debt.

There are rules bailiffs must follow, setting out what they can and can’t take from your home. They can’t take whatever they feel like.

If you’re worried about bailiffs (also known as enforcement agents) we offer free debt advice.

What can bailiffs take from your home?

A bailiff will look for goods you own that can be sold if you don’t pay the debt.

They can only take goods that they have access to and can remove. As a general rule they can only take goods into control if they can physically touch them. They can’t take goods into control just by seeing them through your window or letterbox.

Their main target will be motor vehicles, electrical goods, jewellery and furniture, but they’ll be interested in any goods which can be sold easily for a good price at auction.

Bailiffs can’t take everything and they must leave you with basic household items, including:

• A cooker or microwave, a fridge and a washing machine
• A landline or mobile phone
• Beds and bedding for everyone in the house
• A dining table and enough chairs to seat everyone in the house
• Appliances to heat and light your house
• Medical or care equipment

Some goods are protected and can’t be taken by a bailiff:

• Goods which are owned by someone else – but they can take goods which you own jointly with someone else
• Pets and assistance dogs
• Tools, books or other equipment that are essential for your job or study, up to a maximum total value of £1,350
• Goods you’ve bought on a hire purchase agreement, where the final payment hasn’t been made
• Fixtures in your property such as kitchen units or fitted wardrobes
• Goods which you’re currently using, such as machinery or a motor vehicle – although they can come back for these at a later date"

sourcrates

Unfortunately she was lying to you, a bailiff can only force entry to private property for certain unpaid magistrates court fines, definitely not council tax.

They don’t really want your second hand stuff, it never fetches much money at auction, it’s used as a threat to get more cash out of you.

Its difficult to advise now you’ve let them in, they can re-enter when they like now, you would be best trying to pay off the debt as quick as you can, once you allow them entry, your basically at there mercy.

Galloglass

Are you in receipt of Council Tax Reduction and what level is it? 50%, 60%, 70% etc.

To have bailiffs call means you've ignored a lot of paperwork. Or if you didn't and have been in discussion with the council what did they say? [You had a payment plan which looks like you didn't hold to]

Have you prepared an Income and Expenditure statement to give to the Council to show your affordability?

As regards the DRO, you will need to see a DRO Intermediary at your local debt charity. They will need an Income and Expenditure statement too. Book an appointment as soon as you can.

foxthetaxi

Just had a visit from a Marstons bailiff saying I owe them £879 emanating from a speeding fine issued by Wigan and Leigh Police.  I recall getting a police letter a long time ago and stating I was the driver. This is the only time I received anything about the matter. I moved house in April 2020 and informed the DVLA in July 2020.   Bailiff claims the case went to Magistrates Court in Oct 2020.   He could not give me any details of the date or reference of the original offence.    He says he will return tomorrow.  Do I pay him ?  What powers does he hold ?  

fatbelly

Your case is different to the one that the rest of the thread is about. The general rule is that a bailiff cannot force entry on an initial visit.

The exception to the general rule is when it is a magistrates court criminal fine, so they can force entry

This thread also referred to a DRO, and council tax is a qualifying debt so would be written off. Magistrates court criminal fines are not qualifying debts in insolvency

If you have the resources to pay this, you should do so