PCN passed to debt collectors

[Perr]

Posting on behalf of my mother.

She received an email from a DCA today stating she has an unpaid PCN from a council. After phoning the number, it turns out she owes £515 for an unpaid PCN from April 2016, however she has not received any correspondence as her log book for her car is still registered to her old address. There is video evidence.

This is the first she has heard of this, and as she is a foster carer with no assets or money, she is now panicking.

I know very little about this legally, however if anyone can offer any advice on whether there is a way we can get this reduced, or whether it's even legal to charge £515 for a £50 ticket.

DCA said warrant was issued in December 2016, and that they attempted to visit her old address but couldn't gain entry.

Is there anything we can do?
She has no money, so if she does have to pay, will they let her pay weekly? Will they take a reduced payment if I paid for her in full?

DCA has requested all communication via email. I have sent them a standard letter requesting they provide a breakdown of all fees/costs.

Thanks.

[Sir Vere Brayne d'Emmidge]

Re: PCN passed to debt collectors

You can ask to pay weekly amounts, but it will not be for less than £25.00, you will not get a reduction as all fees are set in stone, the breakdown of debt and fees is simple, original debt, after the LA went to TEc at Northampton £205.00, £75.00 Compliance fee for the letter sent at the old address (where the car is still registered, which is an offence by the way) then £235.00 Enforcement fee added when the Agent visited the property on the warrant of execution.

[Perr]

Re: PCN passed to debt collectors

You can ask to pay weekly amounts, but it will not be for less than £25.00, you will not get a reduction as all fees are set in stone, the breakdown of debt and fees is simple, original debt, after the LA went to TEc at Northampton £205.00, £75.00 Compliance fee for the letter sent at the old address (where the car is still registered, which is an offence by the way) then £235.00 Enforcement fee added when the Agent visited the property on the warrant of execution.

Thanks for you advice r.e. fees and weekly payment. As she moved from the previous property a few years ago, she is unsure, but believes she sent off to update the log book at the same time she updated her drivers license address. As this has now happened, we now know the log book has not been updated on the car which is now sold.

I've filed for an out of time statutory declaration. Bailiffs are on hold while this is reviewed. I am expecting it to be refused as most seem to be, so will then appeal under N244. If this fails also, I'll then pay the bailiffs in full on behalf of my mother.