Attachment Of Earnings Order - is this real?

[toffeecrisp141271]

I got a letter today from Bristow & Stutor saying 'Please find enclosed a copy of an Attachment of Earnings Order which has been directed to your employer.'

This is for non payment of council tax. It has the local council name on it and says 'On xx/xx/xx the xxxxxx Magistrates Court made a liability order under regulation 34 of the council tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992 against the person named above.'

It has an appropriate amount in relation to the order which I am not sure is correct. It says the money must be deducted and paid to the bailiff.

It also has my work payroll number on it. How did they get this information?

Is it real? And how much could the employer deduct, am I not meant to fill out a form from the court about my income, etc?

Can anyone throw some light on this for me?

[WendyB]

Re: Attachment Of Earnings Order - is this real?

Attachment of Earnings Orders are sent out to yourself and your employer at the same time. Have you checked whether your employer has received one? No, you are not required to fill out a form, the deductible amounts are set out in law, and are a percentage of your net income, depending on how much that nett income is. Have a look at this, it's from Wolverhampton Council's website but the rates are the same wherever you live. There should have been a copy of the deductions table with the AoE you received. http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coun...f_earnings.htm

[toffeecrisp141271]

Re: Attachment Of Earnings Order - is this real?

I recieved the AOE from the bailiff. Have not checked with my employer yet thought I would give it a few days. The bailif did not bother to send me a copy od the deductions table, theres a surpise.

I think they knew who my employer was but would you have any idea how they could get hold of my payroll number? Is this legal. Should it not be private.

[EXC]

Re: Attachment Of Earnings Order - is this real?

I recieved the AOE from the bailiff. Have not checked with my employer yet thought I would give it a few days. The bailif did not bother to send me a copy od the deductions table, theres a surpise.

I think they knew who my employer was but would you have any idea how they could get hold of my payroll number? Is this legal. Should it not be private.

The name, address and employer are all one needs to obtain an AEO in my experience.

[ExBailiff31]

Re: Attachment Of Earnings Order - is this real?

ToffeeCrisp,

Yes this is legal but normally only a step Bailiffs take after unsuccessfull negotiations or a broken arrangement, therefore I would assume that this is the case?
You are not required to sign anything but it's well worth checking with your employer if they have recieved any correspondance? further more your employer is required by law to provide your correct pay details as they maybe fined themselves for not doing so.

[toffeecrisp141271]

Re: Attachment Of Earnings Order - is this real?

I believe the bailiffs gace up trying to get into my property. I am not here half the time and when I am I don't let them in. So I guess this is the only option for them now. Trouble is it will cripple me financially, and also my job is just a shrt contract three month job and can be ended at any time.

[WendyB]

Re: Attachment Of Earnings Order - is this real?

You should also send a SAR to the bailffs as they have probably added on lots of illegal charges. The SAR can be found in the stickies at the top of the bailiff forum. Unfortunately it doesn't matter if your job is only temporary, the relevant amount depending on your nett wage will be deducted. Obviously if you lose your job, the payments will stop, but then could be deducted from benefits.