Bailiffs and CT. Vulnerable household. Help needed asap!

[h1973]

Firstly, I'm in arrears for CT as I was made redundant etc. I have a disabled son and have a mobility car. I am also a single parent. I am also taking medication for depression and anxiety.
Have sent some template letters to the bailiffs but to no avail. The bailiffs are Andrew James.
I sent them a letter stating I was on benefits and have a disabled son etc. They wrote back demanding £120 a week! I wish!
I have also asked the council to take the debt back and offered a payment plan, to no avail.
I have had many letters through the door (I haven't opened it when they've hammered on the door and the window) threatening to come back with a van to remove my goods. I live in a rented house too.
They have given me till tomorrow to pay the first £120 and now I am very worried.
What more can I do? I feel a prisoner in my own home as I have the windows shut and curtains and don't open the door to anyone. I'm scared to park my car outside the house in case they clamp it. My son gets very upset and aggressive when they hammer on the door and I bear the brunt of it.
Please help as I'm at my wits end.
Thanks!

[Kati]

Re: Bailiffs and CT. Vulnerable household. Help needed asap!

Hi [MENTION=53163]h1973[/MENTION] - to LB!!

First things first, try not to worry!! I know that this seems impossible at the minute, but you have lots of people here who are willing to help you in this.
Remember:
1, There is no way CT bailiffs (Enforcement Agents) can enter your home through force - or in any way other than a "usual means of entry"
2, Councils have the power to recall any debt from their employed EAs at any time
3, As you will be classed as a vulnerable family the bailiffs have the option of returning your case to the council too :tinysmile_twink_t2:
4, As your car is a mobility vehicle, it cannot be clamped or removed.

You need to contact your council and ask them

• How many Liability Orders they have against you?
• The dates they were obtained?
• The addresses they were for?
• The period of time each covers?
• How much each one was for?
• How much is still outstanding?
• The dates they were passed on for enforcement?.

You need to write/email the bailiffs, informing them of your vulnerability and asking them to refer your account back to the council. Send a copy of this communication to your council and your local MP too (postal letters to the bailiffs/council are best sent recorded/signed for - costs less than £2). Include in this letter anything you can think of that will help prove vulnerability (details of your son's disability etc...) and maybe an Income/Expenditure breakdown to show that you cannot afford the amount they are demanding straight away.

Take a look at these links too
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...or-a-Breakdown
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...tutory-Notices
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...s-to-registers
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...from-April-6th
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...l-6th-Part-Two
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...6th-Part-Three

Kati xx

[Milo]

Re: Bailiffs and CT. Vulnerable household. Help needed asap!

Can you respond asap to let us know the following:

Is the debt for unpaid council tax?

How much is the Liability Order?

When did you first receive notification from Andrew James Enforcement?

Was this before or after 6th April (when the new bailiff regulations took effect)

Has the bailiff ever been into your home and levied upon goods?

What fees have been charged?

[Wombats]

Re: Bailiffs and CT. Vulnerable household. Help needed asap!

Andrew James reached a settlement with me for their misconduct, along with RCT Council with whom they held vicarious liability. Unless they have changed substantially in the past few years they are an appalling company to deal with, and will lie and cheat to get as much money as possible from you. The rules are much tighter now, so you have less cause to worry about being cheated as I was, but it is important you get this resolved asap in order to avoid the debt escalating.

Please don't worry as I've lived to tell the tale, but do answer the questions Milo has asked so that we can help you as best we can. It was thanks to them I started learning about enforcement.

[bizzybob]

Re: Bailiffs and CT. Vulnerable household. Help needed asap!

All good advice above, but the main thing is not to worry, keep your door locked and do't let them in, they cannot now climb in through the window, and they cannot send you to prison. If they do send a complaint to the council. You could also ask your local elected Councillor to help in this and show him what a bunch of aggressive muppets the councils agents Andrew James are. You can find their details on the council website. I'm sure they would be annoyed at the least to know how their appointed agents are treating vulnerable families for council tax debt.

You could film their visit through the letterbox with a phone even to capture any outlandish threats