Bailiffs, council tax debt

[Bizzer81]

Hi, wondering if anyone can help.
I had a letter the other day from Newln plc about a council tax debt from 2008. They are demanding that I pay 950 pounds. I have offered to set up a payment plan while I check with the council (I don't think I'm actually liable as I moved out from the property in June..) but they would not accept my payment plan offer. They say if I do not pay 450 pounds this month and the rest the month after they will send the bailiffs round! Are they allowed to do this? I can't afford to pay that much. I thought if I made a reasonable offer to pay the debt they would have to accept? According to their letter this has already been to court. So what are my options?

Any help much appreciated!

[charitynjw]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

Hiya Bizzer,

Have you read the Bailiff guide? (See above, near the yellow triangle).
Bailiffs (poor, unfortunate creatures - they don't seem to have evolved much since they climbed out of their trees!) are not my scene, but I'm sure you will get plenty of good advice here.
Good luck. (& don't let them into the house - not even for a pee -, & don't sign anything!!)

[Caspar]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

Definitely read the bailiff's guide. Also I'd be inclined to contact the CEO of your council and explain what has happened. Remind him that the council are vicariously liable for the way in which this debt is collected and if Newlyn continue in this bullish way, ignoring all legislation, then the council will be laid open to litigation. Outline your repayment ptoposals to him and see what reply you get.

[Bizzer81]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

Thanks guys. I'm going to ring the council tomorrow. According to the guide I think I'm right in saying I can insist on paying the council direct rather than the debt company? I hope so!

Also it says thy when it's a council tax debt the bailiffs may not enter by force.. Which I guess means they have to or at least should have, accepted my payment plan offer?

[Caspar]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

You will probably find the council tell you that you have to deal with the bailiffs. You can pay the council directly, but most do it using their online payment system or automated telephone payment system.Most important is to know the exact amount of the liability order they have.



If you've read the bailiff's guide, you will know not to let them in etc.....

[Sweetpee]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

Hey Bizzer,

The bailiffs only get any money by intimidating you and scaring you with their threats. They will use any tactics. Under no circumstances deal with them, you have no contract with them. Do not even open the door to them. If they can get into your house, for any reason, you will be deemed to have consented to their entry. Don't let them in. Check out a web site called getoutofdebtfree.org they have some brilliant advice for getting rid of bailiffs.

Good luck

[Caspar]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

Any news on this? How's it going?

[charitynjw]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

Hi Caspar,

Maybe the bailiffs have changed tactics.
They haven't taken goods, they've taken Bizzer!!

[Caspar]

Re: Bailiffs, council tax debt

:rofl::rofl: