Equita bailiffs: council tax

[tejmummy]

Hello, im new and was wondering if any1 could help me?
The bailff came round yesterday and gave me partner a removal notice. He rang him back today and was told that he needs to pay £1046 by the 30th May 2008. If we cant pay by then, he told us to ring him back 3 days b4 and tell him how we have got on
We havent got a £1000, and im so worried that are gonna come back and take our things which by rights they can, ive not let them in the house.

Can any1 please help and advise??

Victoria x

[ukaviator]

Hello

Welcome to CAG.

Council Tax is usually collected by private firms of bailiffs on behalf of your local council. They try to take your goods away and sell them, usually at auction, to raise money to pay the debt. The process they have to follow is called 'distraining' or 'levying'.

From April 1998 you should get a letter from the council telling you how much you owe and warning you that a bailiff will call if you do not pay the debt within 14 days. It will also tell you who to contact at the council if you have a query.

Contact the council and try to make an arrangement to pay what you can afford immediately. If the council agrees then they can stop bailiffs being called out and save you extra fees.

If the bailiffs have not been into your home before to collect this debt, they have no right to come in. They cannot break in. You can choose not to let them in.

Start paying what you can afford to the council. Send them a letter with your personal budget sheet and ask them to accept regular payments. Make the payments anyway, even if they refuse your offer. They will add these payments to your account and it shows you are willing to pay.

You need to get a budget sheet typed out with all of your income / outgoings etc. Your priorities are the roof over your head and living expenses. Council Tax must be paid, even though we hate it.

Let us know how you get on with the council, but make payments anyway.

[tejmummy]

Thank you for your reply. I called my local Council yesterday and they refused ne type of payment, i asked if i cud speak 2 sum1 in the recovery dept, she said they are in a 'meeting' all wk and i shud call back next wk.
The bailiff is calling back on the 30th with the intention of takin my belongings, and i really think he means business, ne more advise will be appreciated.

Thank you. Victoria x

[tomtubby]

Has the bailiff ever been into your premises?

Has he levied upon any goods?

If this is indeed a first visit then he can charge only £24.50. What fees have been charged?

Can you also send me a PM with the name of the bailiff and the company he works for.

[tejmummy]

After 2 phone calls to both the bailiff and Equita, asking for sum deatails, they both hung up, im at a total loss, and im now wondering what to do, and advice wud be so helpful. They are due to come back on the 30th and either take our things or payment, which i dont have, help??

Victoria

[tomtubby]

Can you send me a reminder message in the morning to remind me to send you a template letter from our website.

[Fair-Parking]

tejmummy - Read our post (5) on Rossendales. Paras 1- 3 apply to you and for para 4 substitute 'local court for Equita'