Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed pleas

[uptomyeyes]

I'd really appreciate some advice on how to deal with Chandlers Bailiffs!

My debt was £191.09 (council tax) until I paid £120 direct to the bailiff after he had put a notice through my door listing my £500 car. The problem I have is that the fee for writing the colour, make and reg of my car he has added £203.59! (Attendance/Removal fee).

So is this legal?
Is it worth me paying the remaining 71.09 direct to the council too avoid paying the fees? or do I have to bite the bullet and pay up?

Thanks

p.s. think I should mention I'm a single mum and have medical issues.

[Inca]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

Hiya,,,one of the good people of this site will be along to help you sort this out..I'm new too and they give great advice x

[Celestine]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

Hi UptoMyEyes

Welcome to Legal Beagles :beagle:

Have a thorough read here:
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...67-Council-Tax

Especially paragraph 6.

You need to get this debt returned to the Council pronto.

Let us know if you need any more help x

[ploddertom]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

Dependent on your medical issues you may be classed as vulnerable and as such may be able to have the debt returned to the Council. You will need to be able to provide proof of any vulnerability.

Is your car taxed, insured & MOT'd? You say he has charged £200+ in fees - have these been broken down? How many times has he attended previously?

[uptomyeyes]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

Is your car taxed, insured & MOT'd? You say he has charged £200+ in fees - have these been broken down? How many times has he attended previously?[/QUOTE]

Thanks to all for the replies yes the car's all legal and no there is no breakdown of the fees they had attended once before and I'd made a payment and was bullied into making an arrangement I couldn't possibly afford.

My concern is that he knows about my car and I've arranged to clear all 300+ by tomorrow, If i don't then he will be back to take the car leaving me stranded. I can just about get the money together but will leave me short for other bills. should I just pay up and argue it later?

I really appreciate everyone's help.

[uptomyeyes]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

Celestine Thank you for the guidance. I've read that link, the only thing is that I'm worried that it's already gone too far! he's already listed my car. if I pay the amount I owe to the council £70 odd and the Levy fee aren't they still going to come and take my car?

I am really grateful for the help!

[ploddertom]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

The Bailiff does not want your car, it would be too much trouble to remove, store & auction. I'm not being flippant but if you have an old car it will only be worth scrap at auction - £50 tops. In my view he has not levied on sufficient goods, was the car available first time he visited? If so why didn't he try to levy it then. Until such time he can provide a proper breakdown of the fees he has charged I wouldn't pay a brass farthing to him.

You can always upset him and start to pay the Council direct. I'm assuming he has never gained entry to your home?

[uptomyeyes]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

Thanks for the replies, but
Ummm.... I paid him the lot! I was terrified and couldn't sleep, jumping at the sound of an car doors slamming. I couldn't risk losing my car. He was a really nasty B*****d on the phone and wouldn't be reasonable at all. I rang the council in tears after he refused to let me pay 120 on the spot and the remainder on Monday they spoke direct to the bailiffs and said they were fine for me to pay the rest then.

Thanks for all your help and advice (I know I didn't take it but I was so scared!)

Just on small post script. Are his fees fair? Is there any point trying to argue them now? or write to the council about his bully boy tactics?

[ploddertom]

Re: Attendance/ removal costs are higher than the debt! is this fair? advice needed p

You have 6 years in which to contest the fees charged. Here's an example of what to send, use & adapt as you see fit and send initially by email backed up by a copy in the post.

"From:
My Name
My Address

To:
Acme Bailiff Co
Bailiff House

Ref: Account No: 123456

Dear Sir

With reference to the above account, Can you please provide me with a breakdown of the charges.

This includes:
a - the time & date of any Bailiff action that incurred a Fee.
b - the reason for the fee.
c - the name(s) of the Bailiff(s) that attended on each occasion a Fee was charged.
d - the name(s) of the Court(s) the Bailiff(s) was/were Certificated at.
e - the date of the Certification.

This is not a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act S7 1998 so does not incur a fee of £10. You are obliged to provide this information.

I require this information within 14 days.

Yours faithfully

Ripped off customer"