sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

[lisa123]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

I have a feeling that my guardian angel is about to come along any minute now xxx

[Celestine]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

CC As I'm sure it is painfully obvious, posts such as yours that I removed do not add anything helpful to the thread, it is clear that they are unwelcome to the OP. Please lets keep this thread strictly on topic as you demonstrated you are able to do at post 28

[CleverClogs]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

They also included the court order (which is the first time i've seen it dated 14/04/11 at which time I was on JSA and daughter was on EMA). Also their bailiff code of practice which I have tried to cut and paste on here but I can't get it to do it, so will have to type it in when I get an hour. Even that's laughable, I'm sure they make it up as they go along. If anyone wants tp see their Bailiffs code of practice email me ... and I will forward it.

Your comments regarding the Equita "Code of Conduct" are quite accurate, as the version I have just seen (PDF link) contains a few points of interest:

A bailiff will introduce themselves to a debtor as a Certificated Bailiff from Equita acting on behalf of the Council. They will at all times remain polite and professional.

Does that excuse Mt Boston's abusive and arrogant manner?

They will produce for the debtor photographic identification and authorisation to act (supplied by the Council).

He didn't.

They will explain clearly the reason for their visit and if necessary the powers of a bailiff. A copy of the regulations and charges that may apply are left at the debtors premises.

He didn't; if he had, it would have been immediately obvious that the charges he and/or Equita sought to impose were both excessive and unlawful.

If the debtor indicates an unwillingness to pay their debt in full, enter into a payment arrangement or agree to Walking Possession, the Bailiff is entitled to remove goods immediately.

I believe that may be a blatent, bare-faced lie, as it suggests that a bailiff collecting Council Tax arrears may lawfully force entry even if he had never previously been admitted to the property.

He doesn't.

Payment arrangements may be negotiated over a maximum period of 6 months.

That wasn't what Mr Boston stated, was it?

Goods are only removed if they belong to the debtor (whether owned solely or jointly with another person), and reasonable precautions are taken to ensure this.

More nonsense; whilst no attempt was made to remove the Nissan Micra motor car, an elementary check with the DVLA would have established whose property it is. Equita has apparently taken no precaution whatever to ensure they did not seize or remove property belonging to someone other than the alleged debtor, whilst the council minion seems to think this is the responsibility of the alleged debtor.

Equita shall only charge fees in accordance with the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) (Amendment) (no2) (England) Regulations 2003.

Utter nonsense - the lawful fees are set out here - PDF link; compare those with the money Mr Boston attempted to charge.

[CleverClogs]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

CC As I'm sure it is painfully obvious, posts such as yours that I removed do not add anything helpful to the thread, it is clear that they are unwelcome to the OP. Please lets keep this thread strictly on topic as you demonstrated you are able to do at post 28

I believe that the illustration was both on topic and apt; moreover, it was meant to cheer up or amuse lisa - and that's surely worthwhile, isn't it?

[lisa123]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

thankyou cc xxx saves me an hour of tying the thing xx they are my thoughts exactly xx

[lisa123]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

just a note to say I have never even seen A Boston x just a sneaky notification through the door at 7.20 am x only spoke once to him when he thought it funny xx

[CleverClogs]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

thankyou cc xxx saves me an hour of tying the thing xx they are my thoughts exactly xx

It was my pleasure - I was delighted to help.
------------------------------- merged -------------------------------

just a note to say I have never even seen A Boston

That may be as well, as he may have a face that would curdle milk.

just a sneaky notification through the door at 7.20 am x only spoke once to him when he thought it funny xx

In full compliance with their Code of Misconduct, eh?

[lisa123]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

talk of the devil xx postman has just arrived xx

Dated 08/08/2011

We write with reference to the unpaid amount owing to South Derbyshire District Council for Council Tax owing on ***********************

A Liability Order has been granted by the Magistrates' We therefore require the sum of £250.47 by return of post.

Failure to discharge this debt wil result in our bailiff calling without further notice to enforce the order by seizing your goods and chattels, which will then be sold at Public Auction. This will involve considerable additional costs which will also become payable by you.

Please contact our office immediately on 08706 060101 with your proposals for discharging this debt.

Yours sincerely




Bailiff Manager
Equita Limited

[lisa123]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

I've a good mind to email south derbyshire council to see if they would like to join in the conversation xx

[CleverClogs]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

talk of the devil xx postman has just arrived xx

Dated 08/08/2011

We write with reference to the unpaid amount owing to South Derbyshire District Council for Council Tax owing on ***********************

A Liability Order has been granted by the Magistrates' We therefore require the sum of £250.47 by return of post.

Failure to discharge this debt wil result in our bailiff calling without further notice to enforce the order by seizing your goods and chattels, which will then be sold at Public Auction. This will involve considerable additional costs which will also become payable by you.

Please contact our office immediately on 08706 060101 with your proposals for discharging this debt.

Yours sincerely




Bailiff Manager
Equita Limited

Don't call that number' if you really must telephone those momzers, use 01604 258455 instead.

If they're following a pattern, they'll probably send the summons next month.
------------------------------- merged -------------------------------

I've a good mind to email south derbyshire council to see if they would like to join in the conversation xx

Or,at least, Fraulein Heldreich?

A useful start might be to refresh her recollection of the procedures that should/must be taken and the lawful charges that may be added to the account, then to ask her how Equita justifies charging an extra £53.50 just for having sent an "initial contact" letter over a week after attempting to levy distress.

You will probably have to go through first the Equita complaint procedure and then that of the council, but I believe you should have a worthwhile case of maladministration to take to the Local Government Ombudsman.

[Caspar]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

Hi Lisa,

Only a brief appearance from me just at the minute, I'll be on properly later on! I've only read page 2 of this thread again, so apologies if it has been covered on page 1, but has anyone suggested you contact your MP regarding this?

[lisa123]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

from what i read on the internet yesterday i think they cannot interfere if a case has already been to court xx i may be wrong but i'm sure there is probably someone on this site who does know the answer to that one xxx

[SpringerSpaniel]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

They can refer maladministration to the Ombudsman. It's also useful to contact your Councillors, as the Council they are responsible for is not doing its job properly, employs/appoints agents who do not comply with the rules etc.

[lisa123]

Re: sooner go to prison that pay a debt i don't owe

I think south derbyshire may have finally figured out the reason they took me to court (not that I knew) in the first place x only time will tell

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your e-mail. I have passed this to the Benefit Team to look into your benefit query. They will contact you shortly.

The letter received from Equita Ltd is dated 08.08.11. This was prior to the hold being placed on your account 09.08.11.
As previously stated there is now a 30 day hold in place to allow time for your liability and benefit to be reviewed.

Please ensure you complete and return the forms issued to you yesterday.

Regards

S Heldreich

Debt Recovery & Management Officer

South Derbyshire District Council

E Mail Stephanie.Heldreich@south-derbys.gov.uk

Telephone Number 01283 595832

Fax Number 01283 595857