Council tax pickle

[Tiredandexhausted]

I have had a visit from the bailiff (Marston group) today. The visit is in connection with a council tax bill my girlfriend owed before we knew each other. The bill was completely forgotten about until the bailiff turned up on my doorstep today.

After some threats and intimidation, my girlfriend allowed him into the house (I am at work) where he proceeded to mark several of MY items to be removed unless my girlfriend paid him £300 immediately.

After breaking down in tears (bless her she thought it would be the end of our relationship) and begging the bailiff he agreed to give her 24 hours to pay.

Needless to say we cannot raise that kind of money in 24 hours, so she phoned the council to request that they recall the debt so she could pay the council directly. The council have told her they are not able to do this (which I believe is not true)

I am starting to get worried as I do not have receipts for the goods the bailiff has marked which include my leather suite, my TV and my PC

Please help, any advice would be appreciated.

[Caspar]

Re: Council tax pickle

Initial reaction is who's house is the name in. If she isn't mentioned in any tenancy / mortgage agreement isn't it reasonable to assume the registered owner / leaser of the house rents or owns the stuff in it?

[Guest]

Re: Council tax pickle

Please have a look at the thread below and if anything remains unclear, ask.

Bailiff Guide - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum

[Charlie888]

Re: Council tax pickle

Hi there,

My advice would be to write to the council and hand deliver if possible or send my recorded delivery with a payment proposal, and enclosing a cheque for the first installment. In the letter explain that you are aware that this is a priority debt and fully intend to pay the amount owing as quickly as you are able but that you are not able to pay the bailiffs inflated fees.

I would also write to the bailiffs (do not phone) and tell them that the goods do not belong to the person who has the debt, and also send a copy of this letter to the council.

If you can find out the name of the head of Council tax for your area and address all correpondance to them and let the bailiffs know the name of that person it might help.

I'm sure others will be along soon with more advice.

Good luck!