Bailiff Letter (Council Tax) - 24 hours notice of goods removal

[StrugglingPerson]

My teenager has been handed a letter giving me just 24 hours to pay a significant sum or goods will be removed. I have not had much work for a considerable time and have completed many forms for the Council Tax reduction to no avail. Food, home & gas/electric have been the only priority. Everything else can be paid when we have funds again but some organisations are unrelenting.

My eyesight is poor which affects work I am able to do, but I do not get a disability allowance as I'm not registered blind (as I can read the eyesight test letters).

What is my position regarding tomorrow. I have no chance of finding that money and we have been eating basics for over a year. I am still searching for work that would make life easier again.

Thanks.

[ploddertom]

Re: Bailiff Letter (Council Tax) - 24 hours notice of goods removal

Has a Bailiff ever had access to your home or made a levy on goods outside?

[StrugglingPerson]

Re: Bailiff Letter (Council Tax) - 24 hours notice of goods removal

Thank you for your response/question.

I read the documents on this forum this afternoon telling me not to let them into my house under any circumstances. They have not made a levy but the car is needed for my wife's child minding. If that was taken she'd be out of business due to rural requirements. I phoned the Council from 4pm but it was either busy or rang and now they have all gone home. I left an answerphone message with the Citizens Advice dept that represent the council & one with the Bailiffs. A close friend has since offered to pay 10% of the amount but cannot until next week. Is that sensible to buy me some more time?

Any guidance you may be able to provide is very much appreciated. It has been very stressful.

[ploddertom]

Re: Bailiff Letter (Council Tax) - 24 hours notice of goods removal

You need to speak to someone at the Council and ask the following questions:
1 - how many Liability Orders they have against you
2 - the dates they were obtained
3 - the addresses they were for
4 - the period of time each covers
5 - how much each one was for
6 - how much is still outstanding
7 - the dates they were passed on for enforcement
8 - the dates & amounts of any payments

[ploddertom]

Re: Bailiff Letter (Council Tax) - 24 hours notice of goods removal

The Bailiff has no automatic right of entry to your home and to allow him in is a seriously bad idea. There is no law that says you have to speak to or deal with a Bailiff. Remember Rule No 1

Bailiffs Lie

[ploddertom]

Re: Bailiff Letter (Council Tax) - 24 hours notice of goods removal

I note what you say about the car but there is no automatic protection for it just because of what your wife does. For now it is best put in a locked garage.