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Hello,
I would really appreciate some advise on the responsibility of Bailiffs with regard personal data.
I am currently in a situation where I owe a substantial amount to the HMRC for unpaid Income Tax – It’s many years old, however I’m not disputing this. I am currently working abroad but have spoken to HMRC and arranged a personal meeting to address the situation when I return. All fine.
However, 2 days after arranging the meeting for later in October, the bailiffs called at our house requesting payment – No one was at the house, however my father-in-law was visiting a neighbour and asked them what they wanted – They then proceeded to tell him they were looking for me and the amount they were attempting to recover on behalf of HMRC. Given my father-in-law isn’t resident at the property or even visiting and given he is not my spouse, have the bailiffs broken the Data Protection Act?
More critically, my father-in-law is 80 years old and not of the best health and the pure shock of finding out this information has profoundly upset him and my wife. Personally, I'm disgusted at their actions.
Bailiffs seem to be a law unto themselves, but are they required to abide by Data Protection legislation like everyone else?
Many thanks in advance,
CyprusChris
I would really appreciate some advise on the responsibility of Bailiffs with regard personal data.
I am currently in a situation where I owe a substantial amount to the HMRC for unpaid Income Tax – It’s many years old, however I’m not disputing this. I am currently working abroad but have spoken to HMRC and arranged a personal meeting to address the situation when I return. All fine.
However, 2 days after arranging the meeting for later in October, the bailiffs called at our house requesting payment – No one was at the house, however my father-in-law was visiting a neighbour and asked them what they wanted – They then proceeded to tell him they were looking for me and the amount they were attempting to recover on behalf of HMRC. Given my father-in-law isn’t resident at the property or even visiting and given he is not my spouse, have the bailiffs broken the Data Protection Act?
More critically, my father-in-law is 80 years old and not of the best health and the pure shock of finding out this information has profoundly upset him and my wife. Personally, I'm disgusted at their actions.
Bailiffs seem to be a law unto themselves, but are they required to abide by Data Protection legislation like everyone else?
Many thanks in advance,
CyprusChris
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