Rossendales council tax, large fees

[Guest]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

But if they're not a fiver a pop (which they won't be) you're still opening a can of worms by asking for a breakdown of charges. The important issue here is to stop recovery action and get the £235 removed. Once that is done, then is the time to ask for a breakdown of charges.

[bizzybob]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

But if they're not a fiver a pop (which they won't be) you're still opening a can of worms by asking for a breakdown of charges. The important issue here is to stop recovery action and get the £235 removed. Once that is done, then is the time to ask for a breakdown of charges.

Agree ST that is for later first priority is clearing debt and getting dossendales back in their kennel. They have nothing to bite back with at that stage when any dodgy fee is challenged.

[TanyaPatrick]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

Hi all thank you for the advice it is very welcome. The first time Rossendales contacted me is when the council passed them the account and they wrote to me. I responded to the letter with offer of payment but as I was low income at the time it would be not be set amounts, I then had a letter so long ago from a lady who gave me the details to pay online and that is what I was doing. No forms were ever filled and no bailiff action or visits etc, until I got down to the £90. I had a letter from them in September 2013 just to say I owe £160, and that was what was left of the bill which tallied with what I had on my account online. No complaints, nothing. I can no longer get into that account online as I said so I can`t pay other than through Mr Enforcement officer who whacked the £325 down.

[Guest]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

You need to do what I said in post #5.

Its a waste of time attempting to deal directly with Rossendales or their EA.

[Wombats]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

Have you tried using their automated phone system to make the payment if you cannot pay online? That would be my next move.

[TanyaPatrick]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

Paid the £90. Now to see what happens (automated phone).

[bizzybob]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

One thing to remember is only phone Rossers or the EA if you can record the call, they tend to have memory loss akin to early onset dementia when asked to remember what they said.

[Wombats]

Re: Rossendales council tax, large fees

I've copied and pasted below the next step for you directly from ST's post number 5. I've added a small amount in italics. I would agree this is the best way forward now:

You should then write to the council, informing them that your account is now settled and ask for written confirmation of this. Advise them that their agents have visited you, harassing you for this debt, despite never going through the compliance stage. The agents are threatening to return & the council should take note that if they do, they will be there illegally as they have no lawful right to visit you. You will not be paying any illegal fees and you now request the council to remove the £235 from your account. Should the council be unwilling or unable to do so, can they please write back within 14 days so as to enable you to escalate this into a formal complaint. You should also mention that you were visited for a debt of less than £100 (ignore Rossendales misguided interpretation of the regulations)

If you own a vehicle or anything else of value outside your home, this needs to be moved because if Rossendales get hold of your goods, they will hold all the trump cards. Needless to say, you DO NOT allow them in. Ask them to leave your property as they are there as trespassers. They haven't met with the compliance stage so cannot visit you legally. In addition, the account is now settled.

Send a copy of the letter to Rossendales. You will not fall into the "vulnerable persons" category but there is no harm in mentioning all of your issues.