Urgent advice over bailiff visit

[kaka]

Hello new to this so please excuse any mistakes....
My sister tried to commit suicide on friday am and all her debt issues are just coming to light. A bailiff had told her on thurs that if she didnt pay 1180 in full by friday 9am then a van would be calling to collect goods and a fee of £800 would be added for the removal. We have found in her house a copy of a walking possesion order which has not been signed by my sister and has only a token amount of goods on it (not enough to cover the debt). I called the bailiff and left a message with him on friday evening-no response as yet.
My question is do they have to give time and date for the van coming to renmove goods as obviously we would like someone to be there, also do they only take what id listed on the WPO as it seems to me it would be cheaper for us to replace her items than pay the bailiff. Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Amy]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

What debt does this relate to?

[kaka]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

Oh sorry I should of said... Council Tax

[Amy]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

Have you read this guide? Bailiff Guide - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum

[kaka]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

Yes but Im still unclear as to wether they can take more than the goods listed on the WPO, also the notice they have to give regarding what time the van will call.
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Just discovered the original liability order was for £1085. My sister has made 2 payments totalling £550. how can they be demanding 1180 from her??

[Amy]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

You're going to need to find out more information from your sister before any of your questions can be answered.

For example, did she allow the bailiff entry into her property? If she did not, then this is all pie in the sky and the bailiff cannot do anything.

What goods have been listed for seizure?

Given what your sister attempted, does she have a history of this?

[kaka]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

The first bailiff that visited was a lady she completed the WPO on it was:
TV (technika(, Dark wood tv unit, pc & monitor, Glass table and 6 chairs.
The copy we have of the WPO has the bailiff signature but not my sisters.
My sister has suffered depression before (post natal 10 years ago) but has never done anything like this before. She is a single mum on low income and we had no idea of how much trouble she was in.
The bailiff that has been calling is a gentleman who insists that unless payment in full is received the van will call (£800) he has never been in her home.

[Amy]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

Do you actually know if a bailiff has been in to the property or was the walking possession posted through her door?

[kaka]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

The first bailiff came into the house(unfortunatly). She took a card payment of £250 and then left. The copy of the WPO is not signed by my sister does that make a difference?Also if they do call before I get in touch with the council tomorrow can they take more than the items listed? Should we get round there tonight and hide her daughters laptop, tv etc.

[Amy]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

In light of the fact that your sister is clearly unwell and vulnerable, you need to contact the council first thing in the morning and let them know about this situation. You might need to provide some proof here, but you need to make the council listen to you - and they can and should help you since they have a duty to do so.

You cannot move the items listed on the walking possession because technically they belong to the bailiff now.

With regard to the fees, they cannot add £800 simply for a failed payment and subsequent visit. This alone is enough cause for the council to recall the debt from the bailiff.

[kaka]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

Thanks Amy, my hubby is round there now removing goods not listed Just in case they call before I can do anything tomorrow. I have a letter ready for the council and the bailiffs signed by doctors also with an offer to pay weekly installments of £10 - hopefully this will be enough.
I am at my wits end with all this so god knows how she was feeling.....
Thank you for all your help x

[Amy]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

You are very welcome, but just remember that the bailiffs cannot simply turn up and break in because they have been allowed previous peaceful entry. They would need to get the court to order it and although it is possible, it is very, very rare.

So try and get some rest. This is easily sorted and being in debt is not a crime any longer.

[kaka]

Re: Urgent advice over bailiff visit

Thanks for all your help Amy,
I will get onto council first thing and try to remedy this but as I said to my sis a few measly possesions are not worth a life. If they want them that badly they can have em'

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