Payment of council tax arrears via debit card

[derekcat928]

I have just entered an agreement with bailiffs to clear my council tax arrears via a monthly payment.
They have given me a copy of the signed agreement.
The only thing that I am concerned about, is that they want me to pay via debit card monthly.
I do not like giving my card details to anyone, especially a bailiff.
What is to stop them taking as much as they want when they have my card details?
Would you advise me to send a cheque, postal order or cash instead?

[reallymadwoman]

I don't think they can insist on payment by debit card, after all you may not have one. Personally I prefer to pay by standing order as that way I can stay in control (unlike direct debits/debit cards). If I do have to do direct debit I include a statement of the maximum amount to be taken each month so my own bank will be a bit quicker at refunding if there is a problem, but I don't know if you could do that with a debit card.
I would suggest talking to the bailiffs and asking what alternative payment methods they can offer, otherwise yes, just send them a cheque.

[seanamarts]

if you send them a cheque make sure its sent by recorded delivery as they often say that they havnt received it. Most bailiff companies dont except cheques either .. Id go with the standing order or just go pay it straight to the creditor and by pass the bailiffs

[tonycee]

I would advice you to never give them another penny, but i guess its to late for that, i guess you have signed the inventory if you have made an agreement , if not STOP, deal only with the council, and the bailiffs will have to GO AWAY....

[Herbie]

Just be very careful. If you check your paperwork you should see that there is very likely a fee of approx:3% for processing credit or debit card payments. There is no such fee if you pay be cheque.

However the main problem you will find is that if you are just one day late in paying or you have a direct debit/cheque refused by your bank. the bailiff will attempt to charge fees for broken arangements, returned cheques etc. Therefore ensure that when you pay that you have enough money in your account to meet the payment.

My advice would be to pay by cheque, but to allow time for if to clear, and always send by recorded delivery.

[dx100uk]

as advised
if you are thinking of paying
go into the council and see a CT officer
bypass the bailiff & save money!
if you have internet banking - do it on line!
dx100uk

[roppa1975]

just wondering if you can actually pay the council direct, they have told me once they have passed it to a dc agency they can not recall it

[roppa1975]

thankyou,
even if the council have said you cant?

[roppa1975]

excellent thanks, ive mamaged to get my b/f alleged debt down from 1152 to 113, but that is without the dca charges, as soon as i get the amended bill from the council i will pay online
cheers

[bungs2us]

i am having problems with rossendales they were collecting two accounts from myself, in feb 08 i had missed two payments they then put letter through my door requesting 1265.00 or have goods removed i borrowed this money and paid they agreed i could pay remaing 1545.00 in instalements i forgot to pay 1 payment now they have sent letter sayning i have to pay remain1396.00 in full or face removal of goods i have paid them 150.00 direct to office today i was referred to baliff who was awful refuses to discuss account he said until he has put letter through which there is 110.00 pound chargefor rossendales then phoned me saying i have to pay 450 by monday direct to baliff.
why do i have to pay him direct and when will they legally be able to expect me to pay remaining794.00 and will i be able to pay in instalments they wouldnt answer me this other than to say pay 450.00 by monday i cant cope with the stress please help me

[roppa1975]

hi
try not to worry 2 much, the people on here are great and in the know!!
the "baliff" cant remove goods unless you let him in as he has to take an inventory. Dont answer the door and make sure your windows and doors are locked as they can come in if they are unlocked.
dont sign anything, he may put through the door and dont fall for the trick of "let me in 2 use the phone and i will ring office to sort this out". they just want to get in to make a list of goods. Ive even heard of them faking a heart attack to get in. Just dont answer to them. also do everything in writing recorded delivery, do not speak to them on the phone. They are awful to deal with,. i won my battle with them and you can too. someone will be aloing to help you soon, it may be worth starting a new thread as this is an old one.