Urgent bailiff advice needed!

Got2change

Please don't panic - the majority are all to$$ers and bullies.

You are perfectly entitled to receive a breakdown of all charges - the original debt and anything added for "visits" - doesn't sound to me as though they have actually been- there having you on a bit I think.

There is a website that you could check out baliffadviceonline or something similar.

Also, there is a form that you can complete giving details of your Income and Expenditure - it's N245 or something similar (an bailiff actually gave me that information; costs c£35-40 to submit)- and you can come to an arrangement through the Court to repay at a reasonable amount. Not sure where you find it but look at a Court website or something like that....

Not much use am I but then.........

roughyed

Thanks for the reassurance...I didn't know if I had said the right things on the phone (probably didn't as I allowed myself to get angry!)

The original letters from equita said £538 so I expected to pay that and I was prepared for 2 lots of charges (24.50 and 18 even though I doubt they ever visited!) but to get £141 in charges and then they wouldn't tell me what for is enough to anger anyone!

I know its a difficult job and there are plenty of people who would try it on but I would guess most people want to pay their debts off rather than go to prison (its for council tax). 3 months ago when I was still out of work (2 years of sickness then unemployed) I would of caved in but now I'm quite happy to complain to all and sundry and try my hardest to get action taken by the council, court whoever!

In a bolshy mood now! :-)

roughyed

Herbie21 wrote: »

I have sent you the password to access the downloads area of your website for a template letter but for anyone that may have a similar situation you could send a letter along the following lines:

Hi Herbie21, I don't seem to of got that password you mentioned?

Herbie21

I am sorry !!

I have just sent you a pm with the password.

S.

roughyed

Well they didn't take the £100 (yet) despite taking my card details so I guess they can now say I have never attempted to pay.

Got a hand delivered letter today as follows (their bold bits)-

Payment Due in full - 24 Hours

I have attended today with the intention of removing your goods and chattels as are necessary to discharge the outstanding Council Tax Liability Order and any additional Enforcement Costs incurred.

PLEASE NOTE - No further arrangements are acceptable and payment is now required in full by CLEAR FUNDS ONLY.

I will re-attend at your address with immediate effect and may REMOVE goods even in your absence. Should you wish to avoid this distressing course of action, contact me immediately on the telephone number below to arrange prompt payment of your debt.

No contact will be taken as your refusal to pay

Yours sincerely...etc

---

I am of course concerned but I suppose that's what they prey on?

blackbandit_2

Ah,dear old equita....having 'dealings' with this lot right now,same thing,If I don't pay £738....(even though I've paid off about £300 already) blah blah.I offered to pay £100 friday and then £100 every week after that,it's done and dusted in 2 months,but nooooo lets go the long route,threaten to sieze my gear and try and charge an extra £300 for the privilige of storing it...:mad:
Will be writing that same letter!

MrsTinks

roughyed wrote: »

Well they didn't take the £100 (yet) despite taking my card details so I guess they can now say I have never attempted to pay.

Got a hand delivered letter today as follows (their bold bits)-

Payment Due in full - 24 Hours

I have attended today with the intention of removing your goods and chattels as are necessary to discharge the outstanding Council Tax Liability Order and any additional Enforcement Costs incurred.

PLEASE NOTE - No further arrangements are acceptable and payment is now required in full by CLEAR FUNDS ONLY.

I will re-attend at your address with immediate effect and may REMOVE goods even in your absence. Should you wish to avoid this distressing course of action, contact me immediately on the telephone number below to arrange prompt payment of your debt.

No contact will be taken as your refusal to pay

Yours sincerely...etc

---

I am of course concerned but I suppose that's what they prey on?

Ofcourse it is

Send the letter that Herbie posted and make sure it's sent recorded. Personally I'd also cancel the card you gave them details for as there isn't anything stopping them trying to take more than you told them they could...
From now on you refuse to speak to them by phone or in person because as you have realised if it's not recorded then you have no proof the conversation and agreement took place.
If possible you could record the conversations but make sure you clearly inform them that you are recording the call at the beginning (bet you they will put down the phone!)

Don't let them bully you and if he DOES try sitting outside your house (and tries to charge you) then call the police sayign there is a dodgey chap stalking you and he's sitting outside your house RIGHT NOW... That should really annoy him

roughyed

Well got some good news -

Last night I emailed my local councillor outlining what has been going on. Emailed at 10.27 and got a reply a 10.30! A few emails exchanged and the result was that by 10.45 this morning the the account was put 'on hold' for 28 till it is sorted out. The bailiffs have been told not to take any money or proceed with any action.

She said once I have made an initial payment she will then negotiate the other 2 payments for me.

She also asked if I want the bailiffs attitude investigating formally. To be honest in times gone past I would of said no, as the matter was being resolved. But I have read far too much on the tactics these people use over the last 2 days, so I have asked for a complaint to be made.

I am not expecting too much to happen with the complaint as I expect the bailiffs will have pre-prepared excuses. The made complaint will be mainly about the bailiffs refusal to tell me what the charges were for and that £141 of charges were imposed.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice, help and words of support. I also hope this thread has helped others in similar situations.

Also emailing a councillor has got me a response in super quick time so I can only recommend this action to everyone.

Ames

It's great that you've finally had some resolution, and it's good that they'll get a kick up the bum.

roughyed

MrsTine wrote: »

Personally I'd also cancel the card you gave them details for as there isn't anything stopping them trying to take more than you told them they could...

I basically emptied my account on the night it all happened apart from the £100 to stop them trying to take anymore than agreed. To my supprise they haven't even taken that. I suspect it will be so they could say I have never tried to pay?