At a complete loss. Advice on enforcement agent

[gemker]

Hi,

Last year i made an application for council tax benefit as i am under investigation for epilepsy and cannot work while i am unmedicated. A request was made for further information which i missed and subsequently my application was refused. I made another application which was successful HOWEVER whilst i was applying and reapplying i was being charged council tax which i couldnt afford and it was sent to a bailiff (Rossendales).
Upon receiving a letter from them, i called the number and made a payment on the automated service. I have been making a payment every month since (between £20-£40) . Today an enforcement agent posted a letter stating that i must pay £625 in full. When i called asking why as i have been making payments and the original debt was £424, he said that an arrangement was made in January of £25 fortnightly which i haven't kept to. I told him that i haven't made any such arrangement and he said that someone visited me but i wasn't in so they made the arrangement in my absence! i have told him that i am in no position to pay in full but can make monthly payments as i have been doing....he has refused this. I called Rossendales who have said they cannot do anything, i have to deal with the enforcement agent (arsehole). So i called the council and asked if they could recall the debt as the collectors are being unreasonable, they said they cant. So now what? i cant pay in full, i have shown that i am willing to pay in installments which is refused and noone but an arsehole will speak to me! i have sent a text (i cant speak directly to him again, he really upset me the first time and i am under the impression that a text can be legal document) asking him to supply a written letter stating that he will not accept payments and also advising him that i do have dogs that will bite should he attempt unauthorised access. Thats not a threat but truth, they will bite if someone comes in without me letting them in.

What do i do?

[ploddertom]

Re: At a complete loss. Advice on enforcement agent

First & foremost telling them about the dogs renders all sorts of things possible. With having forewarned them of what may happen they could attend with Police & Rspca to remove them, they could be considered under Dangerous Dogs Legislation, you could be held liable as not having them under control. You have opened a large can of worms.

[ploddertom]

Re: At a complete loss. Advice on enforcement agent

As for yourself you may be considered potentially vulnerable because of your condition. Proof of this should be sent to both Council & Bailiffs, letter from GP or hospital may suffice. You should also contact your local Councillor(s) and ask them to intervene on your behalf, you do have a good argument to have your original claim reinstated in my view.

You can make a complaint to the Council saying that despite making regular payments the Enforcement Agent is now refusing payments - a copy should be sent to Rossendales & your Councillor.

What paperwork have you been sent either by post or by hand.