First call bailiff??

[aliceh85]

I have just spoken with a bailiff from Rossendales on the phone, i had a letter hand delivered a week a go stating we had a council tax debt....
Having read the advice on not letting anyone in etc, i phoned him and he said to arrange a payment plan he would need to enter my property and list 7 items from my living room before setting up a payment plan... I said that i had been advised not to let him enter but that i did want to set up a payment with him, he was quite polite but said that he would need to enter to do so, and as he was only a "first call" bailiff and not an enforcement bailiff that this doesnt mean that further bailiffs would be entitled to enter my property to take goods at their own discression?? Is this the case? or is he just trying to sneak his way in? Any advice would be appreciated thanks

[Amy]

Re: First call bailiff??

... and the moon is made of cheese.

Is it possible for you to record him saying these things to you?

[aliceh85]

Re: First call bailiff??

no i don't think so.. would it make a difference if i could?! he even told me to research it!

[Caspar]

Re: First call bailiff??

Yes it would make a difference as he's telling blatant lies and you would then have proof of that.

Most mobiles have voice recorders on them - can you phone from a landline and record it on a mobile?

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LET HIM INTO YOUR HOUSE. Once he's gained peaceful access once he can force entry from that point on.

Remember the council employed these bailiffs and they are equally liable for the bailiffs actions. Showing they have acted illegally would be a nice strong piece of evidence.

Also try and get his name so we can check if he's cocher or not!

[aliceh85]

Re: First call bailiff??

His first name is Ivan, not sure of his last name as my partner has the letetr we received. Next time we speak I will try to get him recorded, how am I meant t o set up a payment scheme with them if they insist on entry to my house first?!ARGHHH!

[Caspar]

Re: First call bailiff??

Alice, try to calm down a bit - I know it's hard with bailiffs, been there myself and I made every mistake in the book.

You honestly do not need to let the bailiffs into your house to arrange a payment plan, in fact (though Amy is the one to advise you on this - she's brilliant!) the plan would be to get the debt repaid to the council - they will swear they can't take the debt back, but they can and will!

Don't panic, just take one small step at a time and follow Amy's advice - you won't go far wrong then!

Again I'll repeat under no circumstances let them into your house. This is a ploy they use preying on your ignorance!

[aliceh85]

Re: First call bailiff??

i did contact the council but was told they wouldnt take back the debt! how do i go about changing their minds?! i figured he may be lying as he was unduly nice to me!lol

[Amy]

Re: First call bailiff??

Alice, have a read of the Bailiff Guide - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum this will answer many, if not all, of your questions.

Also in the above link is another link to check if this bailiff is certificated, which you should do immediately.

[Amy]

Re: First call bailiff??

he even told me to research it!

What did he tell you to research?

[aliceh85]

Re: First call bailiff??

ok thanks i'll have a read, and he told me to research the fact that as he is a "first call" bailiff and not an enforcement bailiff that it doesnt matter if i let him in, and that it doesn't mean that further bailiffs will be allowed in to take goods at their pleasure!

[Amy]

Re: First call bailiff??

Is he saying he does not need to be certificated?

I think you should ask him.

[aliceh85]

Re: First call bailiff??

i just had a look on the link and he is a certificated bailiff, do you have any advice on how to get the council to deal with this again, as they refused when i rang them?? thanks

[Amy]

Re: First call bailiff??

They will continue to refuse you because they are stupid.

Just pay them online and they cannot refuse your payments.

[aliceh85]

Re: First call bailiff??

really?! so they can't send it back or anything?? and do i then just ignore the bailiffs or do i inform them i am paying the council directly? sorry if i'm being a little dumb!

[Amy]

Re: First call bailiff??

Don't be daft, you can ask as many questions as you like.

No, the council cannot send your money back and if you have not allowed the bailiff entry then it is perfectly safe just to ignore them.