Philips update any help please?

[superman123]

Hi all just after some more advice with regards to my situation with the above collector.

As already explained I had a magistrates fee passed to the above, today I accidentally answered a call from them I managed to find out the fine was £220 with the fees added by Philips it went to £525. When first made aware of this I used there automated service and made an agreement for £80 I managed to pay the 1st month in August but lost my job shortly after instead of ringing Philips I stupidly buried my head in the sand and tried to ignore it.

During my converstaion with them today they seemed to say they need the remaining £445 immediately or they would clamp and remove my vehicle. When I explained it was a company car they said it would still be removed and my company would have to prove it belonged to them. I also mentioned I had only just started work again.

I cannot afford to pay all this in one go and contacted the central payments system to see if they could recall the debt but was told Philips can legally hold it for 6 months and they were assigned it in July. I am really panicking now and am considering sending them a grovelling e-mail explaining recent circumstances of divorce, a custody battle and losing my job and taking one on a lesser wage to see if they will accept payments of £80 a month.

Any advice will be appreciated hugely as it is seriously casuing me stress now to the point I am dreading coming home in case they have removed my goods.

[Amy]

Re: Philips update any help please?

At any time you can apply to the Fines Officer at the court for a means enquiry hearing. They can assess the situation and they have the power to amend the repayment amounts or, in some cases, cancel the fine completely. In particular, if circumstances have changed, which certainly appears to be the case here.

[superman123]

Re: Philips update any help please?

At any time you can apply to the Fines Officer at the court for a means enquiry hearing. They can assess the situation and they have the power to amend the repayment amounts or, in some cases, cancel the fine completely. In particular, if circumstances have changed, which certainly appears to be the case here.

Thanks Amy could you advise how I go about this procedure? Do I ring the central fines again? Also will it matter that I broke a prior agreement? Philips neglected to tell me this and said it isn't means tested?

[Amy]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Fines are not automatically means tested, you must request the hearing. So yes, give them a call first thing on Monday morning and request one.

[superman123]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Fines are not automatically means tested, you must request the hearing. So yes, give them a call first thing on Monday morning and request one.

Thanks will do. Will this temporarily prevent any further action?

[Amy]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Yes and have you sent a SAR to ascertain what these charges have been added for?

[superman123]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Yes and have you sent a SAR to ascertain what these charges have been added for?

No I will do that aswell I know the woman I spoke said 70 something pounds was admin charges for acquiring the debt

[Amy]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Use this one Bailiff - SAR - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum

[superman123]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Hi amy have just rang the central office and they have said because the case is still with the bailiff I cant have a hearing I need to wait until its passed back to the court around november/december?

[superman123]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Managed to do some research and spoke to a company called bailiff advice online found out under court act 2003 I could apply for a means test at any time wether account is with bailiffs or not. Passed this info onto the central fines office who have said because I didnt make an agreed payment to them I have already had a means test? This was done over the phone and not in court so does it still apply?

[Amy]

Re: Philips update any help please?

You have to bear in mind that court staff are not legally trained. So arm yourself with the information and demand to be given a hearing.

[superman123]

Re: Philips update any help please?

You have to bear in mind that court staff are not legally trained. So arm yourself with the information and demand to be given a hearing.

That could be the problem im speaking to the central fines office and not the actual court i'll try that route. Thanks amy I know I must be driving people mad really appreciate it

[superman123]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Have rang the court and been advised to attend their "fines clinic" next Tuesday to take it further. I am considering e-mailing Philips with something along the lines of:

Dear Sir/Madam

I do not have my account reference number to hand so am supplying my postcode which is WS2 8JJ as asked for on previous correspondence.

You currently have my account from Walsall Magistrates Court regarding a fine related to a driving offence. I have consulted with a solicitor and have been advised that at any point I can apply for a means related hearing to take place at the court. I have today contacted the magistrates court and have been advised to attend a fines clinic next Tuesday 8th October. I hearby am asking you to suspend any further action including removal of goods or belongings and additional charges on my account until after this date.

Yours sincerely

Mr A Robinson

Does this sound ok and covering all bases?

[Amy]

Re: Philips update any help please?

Don't be silly, you know that's not true and you have my email if you need me.
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The email is fine, but I'd remove the final sentence. You don't need to ask their permission for anything.