need some more advice

[blondgal]

hi again well sent letter to newlyn to tell them im not giving them any payments i will be sending my payments to islington council i have wrote to islington council to say i will be making payments to them and i have paid newlyns 100 pounds and told newlyns to forward this onto them and i also told newlyns that under no cicumstances would i let the ballifs into my property that was 2 weeks ago i have not heard from islington council as yet but i have been making regular weekly payments which i will keep up till the debt is paid but yesterday i get 2 letters from newlyns so i need some advice
the first letter
council debt 908.77 residency check 5.00 visit fee 1 24.50 visit fee 2 18.00 levy fee 53.00 enforcement fee 160.00 total outstanding 1169.27
can some one explain this to me
second letter
notice prior to removal of goods
removal contractors and ballifs have been booked and will be working in n1 within seven days and a minimum cahrge of 160.00 will be incuured telephone to suspend action and charges
the advice i got from here before i followed im not going to let them in my property and im paying islington council
what should i do now

[Caspar]

Re: need some more advice

I've just re-read the original thread and would really give more of the same advice. The bailiffs are persistent and may take a while to back off. But be strong and stick to your guns. DO NOT LET THEM IN - NOT EVEN A TOE THROUGH THE DOOR! You asked what if they are there when you get home - talk to them outside - never ever ever let them in. They are not allowed to force entry annd are not allowed to harm you.

Keep paying the council as you are to pay off your arrears - the bailiffs are piling on the pressure to try and scare you into paying them!

I fully understand your concern as a single woman, but be strong. We can all give you loads of hugs over the internet, but only you can deal with the situation as / if it happens.

Honestly try not to worry. I've been there in the same situation (though I'm not female) and yes, I was scared. In the end it was proven to be just words. They are only allowed to charge for two visits I believe, but they're getting worried cause if you pay the council they will get nothing.

Keep posting for reassurance by all means, but you're doing the right thing.

Loads of hugs,

David

[blondgal]

Re: need some more advice

thank you david for you support

[Caspar]

Re: need some more advice

No problem. It is difficult when you're by yourself, without trying to cope with something like this. You can always get the reassurance you need on here. pm coming your way!

[Charlie888]

Re: need some more advice

Hi there,

Poor you! But don't worry this is to be expected. Even after I had paid my entire debt to the council Newlyn have continued to phone me and drop off letters about new charges. They cannot threaten to take your goods unless they have previously levied on them and to do this you would have had to let them in. They are just trying to scare you and I really understand how horrible it is.
I have still never actually met anyone from Newlyn even though I have watched a bike courier drop off letters on several occasions. It is unlikely that you will either. They just hope that you will phone up and start paying them. My advice would be to email/write to them cc ing the head of council tax at Islington reminding them them that:
a) You will not deal with them at all and will only pay the council directly
b) If they do come to your home you will not let them in
c) You are aware of your rights and know that their charges are illegal
d) You consider this to be a priority debt and are paying the council directly as much as you can afford to clear the arrears (you can mention amounts in your letter but do ensure you stick to them)
e) If given all this information they do send a bailiff you will be forced to make a form 4 complaint against that bailiff as there are no fees to be charged and the debt is being dealt with.

The only thing that has stopped them harassing me has been to manage to speak to the head of council tax who agreed to put the case on hold with Newlyn whilst they investigate (this was 2 months ago and still no more contact from the council - they are hopless). Try to get hold of someone in the council ( I spoke to the switchboard to get the right persons name as the call centre are useless), and tell them how stressed this is making you, and see if they will hold further action.

Unfortuanely you cannot stop them coming round, sending letters and calling you. But you can ignore them. They really are powerless unless you let them in (or have a car parked outside). Once they realise that you know your rights they will, eventually back off.

Only contac them in writing and keep copies of all emails and letters, and all payments you have made. Don't speak to them under any circumstances. If you do meet a Newlyn bailiff outside your home inform them that they will need to contact the council as you are paying them directly, and do not say anything else. If they threaten or harass you call the police.

It's not easy, and I really sympathise but try not to stress too much. It will all be fine!

Feel free to pm me if you want to chat.

Good luck and keep strong x

[blondgal]

Re: need some more advice

thank you all so much im feeling a lot better im going to get in touch with head of council tax today im forever looking out the window and when im in the house i keep the curtains closed
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thank you so much casper xxx

[Caspar]

Re: need some more advice

Just remember we're all with you on this one. You'll be fine, don't worry!

David x