Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

[Amy]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Thank you for your email which I have received today.

I have today spoken to an advisor at the National Debtline and I have explained my situation in detail. They have advised me to write to you and ask you to reconsider your decision with regard to my repayments.

I do not deny that I have made several agreements with the Revenues Team, but I have never refused to pay. I have just been unable to pay. There is a world of difference between the two.

I admit that I seriously overestimated my earnings (as you know I am self employed).

Each time I spoke to a member of the Revenues Team I truly believed my situation would change and that I would be able to afford the payments. I did not make the arrangement in the knowledge that I was unable to pay.

I am treating this situation extremely seriously and I would like to offer some explanation as to how this situation has arisen.

At the end of last year I suffered quite badly from morning sickness and was frequently unable to work. My partner then found himself without work throughout the whole of January. At the end of January we were given 2 months notice to leave our home. Trying to find a property for us and a new baby therefore took priority and unfortunately the arrangement to pay slipped.

I am hopeful that my situation is finally turning for the better, my partner has now found a permanent full time job which has eased our situation greatly.

The National Debtline advisor also recommended that I ask you to review my situation with regard to Council Tax benefit. I made a claim for both Council Tax benefit and Housing benefit and although I was given some Housing benefit, the Council Tax benefit was refused.

Given that my earnings were so low might there be a possibility that there was an error made?

In light of the above, I would be grateful if you would reconsider your decision.

I look forward to your reply.

[Bluebell]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Thank you Amy, that sounds a bit less frantic! I've sent it... thanks :kiss:

[Bluebell]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

I received a reply from the Council re my council tax...

Dear Bluebell

again I have considered your situation but can not agree to any other arrangement than the one that has already been made.

Mrs S Waterman

What a bag!

I suppose I could telephone. Anyone think it's worth a try?

[Bluebell]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

I think something's happened to my hormones - I can feel a rage boiling inside me.

What does the woman think I am going to do then?

rrrrraaaaaaa

[Amethyst]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

grrrrrrrrrrrr I'd be raging, well they cant have what you dont have - yes i would telephone them and ask them what the options are, what the next step is and tell them your situation. don't under ANY circumstances offe rto pay more than that which you already offered.

[Bluebell]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Thanks Ame, I'll phone tomorrow - it's early closing today. Sometimes I speak to a really lovely person there so with any luck I'll get them

[tomterm8]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

i wouldn't telephone HER, I would telephone your local councilor, and ask for your councilors advice.

SHE works for the council, and the councilor can use leverage you wouldn't believe... Ignore the drone and go for the boss.

[Amethyst]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

anyone except mrs s waterman IMO

[Bluebell]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Doh - got through this morning and spoke to Mr lovely. Their computers are down so he was going to phone back - but my phone has been busy ever since....:smash:

[Bluebell]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Oh my god!

The post just arrived and this is the letter I received from the Council:

Council Tax Payment Arrangement

This letter confirms that an arrangement has been agreed with this authority to clear your outstanding Council Tax.
The following payments are required on or before the instalment dates below:

01.06.2008:£157.81
01.07.2008: £125
etc (until 01.11.2008)

This arrangement covers the amount of £782.81 due in respect of amounts outstanding for the periods detailed below:

01.04.2007 to 31.03.2008 = £767.81

Payments to be made by instalment.

Please note that any default from this arrangement without prior consultation with this office will result in the total amount becoming due for immediate payment.

I'm confused - I didn't / couldn't agree to this instalment arrangement.

A few questions spinning round my head...

Does this mean I don't have to go to court? (oh and I guess the £15 difference in totals has something to do with court fees)

I don't have to pay my current council tax until the end of next month so I suppose I have just over £100 - should I use it for this? Or would I be digging myself into a hole?

[Amethyst]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

How on earth can they make an arrangement without your input....arses

no don't pay it, you just keep paying your normal council tax and the amount you can afford to the arrears bit.

Court isnt anything to worry about honestly - you cannot and will not be paying that and court will not order you to do so.

We'll write back and tell them to poo off (nicely)

[tomterm8]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Writing is a good idea, make sure there is a paper trail, and go to your local councilor.

[Amethyst]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Bluebell - can you pm me with where abouts you live (ie which council) - sorry if u already said somewhere.

[enaid]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Hi Blubell,

Hardship

If you do not have any means to pay the arrears you should contact your local authority and discuss this with them to see if an arrangement can be made that is suitable to both parties. As you have tried your best to tell them what you can afford and it's fallen on deaf ears, I don't see what else you can do in trying to get a satisfactory arrangement.
It is extremely important that you keep in contact with your local authority regarding this debt. This is also something you have done and this too has not enabled this matter to come to a satisfactory result.
If you are suffering severe hardship it is also a good idea to contact your local councillor and/or your local Citizens Advice Bureau for support in dealing with the local authority. I would definately do this if I were you.You can do it all on line and I think they have to give a reply within a very realistic timescale. That though may depend on individual councils.
The CAB can also be very helpful and will deal with the council on your behalf and may be able to put your case better to them (I don't mean that to sound rude by the way).
I would also personally complain to the Local Government Ombudsman, but I could understand if your not up to this. It can though be done on line too with very little effort.
Just my thoughts on this matter Bluebell, I know you have other issues and they will be dealt with I'm sure. All the best Enaid xx

[Bluebell]

Re: Bluebell's Debt Thread & Hardship Claim

Thanks Enaid, I will definitely take it to someone with a bit more influence - first stop perhaps a councillor - my experience of the CAB near me isn't particularly good so far.

I'll let you know what happens.

thank you all of you
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