Prisoner's debt and bailiff action - kinda urgent

[functions]

hi guys,

i hope someone can help me out with some advice.

what's the best way of dealing with bailiffs who are intending further action and collection for someone who used to live at the property but is now in prison. this is a PCN debt which has spiralled a bit but not terribly so. apparently there's an amount of say £90 remaining on the debt (making it roughly £160 total )which'd clear it once and for all. should the family who still live at the property just pay the bailiffs? what'd normally happen in such a situation? would the prisoner still face the fines on release?

there's a fear that there may be other penalty charges just popping out of the woodwork and the family don't read or really go through the prisoner's mail. i was thinking it best they just return all mail to sender so they wouldn't have to face situations like these. the prisoner on release does intend to return to the property and just wants to resume life on the outside. would there be any repercussions with informing debtors and the like of imprisonment as opposed to just paying the (some incredulous) fines?

any help appreciated...got like a day to sort this out or further charges are going to be added on

[bizzybob]

Re: Prisoner's debt and bailiff action - kinda urgent

Inform the council and the EA that the named debtor is in Lawful Custody in HMP wherever, (tongue in cheek I would like to see what would happen if they tried to enforce to a prison) and therefore is non resident at the address they are attending, and further a Stat Dec as to ownership of goods and chattels is on the way, other Beagles will no doubt have more and better advice.

[bluebottle]

Re: Prisoner's debt and bailiff action - kinda urgent

In addition to Bizzybob's advice, try and get written confirmation from HMCTS and HM Prison Service of the person's encarceration. Serve copies on the LA and EA. Which civil enforcement company is involved?

[functions]

Re: Prisoner's debt and bailiff action - kinda urgent

Thanks guys! Took your advice and spoke to council who recalled the debt. Apparrently fine had been paid shortly after being sent to bailiffs so as far as council were concerned, all clear on their end. Spoke to the bailiff who got the recall note and the matters being dropped. I'm chuffed :thumb:

[bluebottle]

Re: Prisoner's debt and bailiff action - kinda urgent

Glad to hear that. Pity the council didn't check their records more thoroughly in the first place.