marstons tv license

[typicaluser]

had a visitor from a marstons bailiff this morning. He woke me up so I was a bit groggy. He explained to me I had a TV license debt which I had actually forgotten about. I paid 1 installment and it had completely slipped my mind and hasn't received any contact through mail or phone from them so had completely forgotten about it. As soon as he turned up he put on his recorder and told me he needed £375 today or he was going to take goods. The breakdown of this was £200 in balance and £175 for him turning up this morning. I explained I had forgotten and would it be fine to settle it in installments and he told me no, it must be made today. I explained to him that I wouldn't be able to do that and get paid on Friday so could possibly pay then. He then left me with a final notice and went on his way. Paying £375 on friday would absolutely cripple me, yet I know it is my fault for letting it slip. Do I have any options but pay it all on Friday?

[wales01man]

Re: marstons tv license

First option wait for the advice you will get on here go from there I expect you will not be paying it all on friday

[ploddertom]

Re: marstons tv license

Did you allow him entry to your home? Has he levied on any goods? Is this as a result of a Court Fine & if so did you receive a Final Steps Notice? Have you moved?

[typicaluser]

Re: marstons tv license

No I did not allow him entry. He did not levy on my goods. Yes it is the result of a court fine and I do not remember whether I received a final steps notice but it is possible. I have not moved.

[ploddertom]

Re: marstons tv license

His fees are wrong. Marstons usually ask for £85 admin charge & £215 to attend - total £300 on top of what is outstanding. His reason for wanting it all is because out of monies collected then the Court must be paid first and the Bailiff therefore only gets his after this. He may well have forgotten that HMCTS will allow payments spread over 6 months.

I would be inclined to contact the Court and ask about the Final Steps Notice though, otherwise I think you may have learned a very hard lesson. I'm assuming you knew about the original fine and were "guilty as charged" or is this one of Capita's usual getting results by the back door.

[typicaluser]

Re: marstons tv license

Thanks for the information, on second thoughts it may well have been £215 to attend actually. I may have had the amount I owed and his fees the other way round. If I did receive a final steps notice, what happens then? Do I call Marstons and explain that I am allowed to pay over 6 months and pay them the 6th I owe on friday? Is £215 a reasonable fee for them to charge to attend?

[ploddertom]

Re: marstons tv license

If you did receive the Final Steps Notice then unfortunately you are pretty well stuffed. If you did n't then the FSN is a legal requirement that must be sent before Bailiffs are engaged. As for making payments to them it is a case of negotiation and reminding them that the "6 months" is in their contract. The fee agreement that HMCTS have with the enforcement companies all state £85 admin & £215 attendance, if however goods are levied etc then that would be extra. Please bear in mind that the Distress warrant he has does confer them forcing entry although this should be agreed by the Court first.

[typicaluser]

Re: marstons tv license

If you did receive the Final Steps Notice then unfortunately you are pretty well stuffed. If you did n't then the FSN is a legal requirement that must be sent before Bailiffs are engaged. As for making payments to them it is a case of negotiation and reminding them that the "6 months" is in their contract. The fee agreement that HMCTS have with the enforcement companies all state £85 admin & £215 attendance, if however goods are levied etc then that would be extra. Please bear in mind that the Distress warrant he has does confer them forcing entry although this should be agreed by the Court first.

So is the 6 month payment schedule something they must adhere to or is it optional? Also how do I find out from the court if I received the final steps notice?

[ploddertom]

Re: marstons tv license

So is the 6 month payment schedule something they must adhere to or is it optional? It's something they hope you don't know about. Also how do I find out from the court if I received the final steps notice? Ring the Court where you fined and ask.

PT
PT

[CleverClogs]

Re: marstons tv license

His fees are wrong. Marstons usually ask for £85 admin charge & £215 to attend - total £300 on top of what is outstanding. His reason for wanting it all is because out of monies collected then the Court must be paid first and the Bailiff therefore only gets his after this. He may well have forgotten that HMCTS will allow payments spread over 6 months.

Wasn't it brave of the bugger to have recorded his refusal to accept instalments?

Or will his recorder prove to be "faulty" if the recording were to be reviewed?

[bluebottle]

Re: marstons tv license

Wasn't it brave of the bugger to have recorded his refusal to accept instalments?

Or will his recorder prove to be "faulty" if the recording were to be reviewed?

According to Marstons, the bodycams are supposed to stamp out bad practices. The burning question is, "Will it?" We can but wait and see.

[labman]

Re: marstons tv license

http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...s-Courts-Fines

[typicaluser]

Re: marstons tv license

how can i find out the court I was fined, do I ring up courts in my area and ask? Or would Marstons tell me? I just phoned Marstons and the lady I spoke to told me paying in installments wasn't possible, and that I should talk to the person who came to the door. Very fleeting conversation

[CleverClogs]

Re: marstons tv license

She's a liar.

[bizzybob]

Re: marstons tv license

A payment arrangement can be made, the bailiff doesn't want to as he gets no money until the debt is repaid in full.