Bailiff discussion ( moved from hijacked thread )

[Givuzagame]

Reading your comments and replies...
I don't think anyone is here is actually anti establishment as such?
(are they?)
Surely it is more a matter of logic and "common sense"
(perhaps thats a class statement?)
Quite simply
STOP PENALISING THE WORKING CLASSES
(and no matter what "class" you put yourself in, if you work for a living - you are "working class" and a tax payer.)

Obviously if people fail to pay their bills there should be penalty, but within reason rather than by dictatorship.
When people are hard up or having any financial difficulty and it's not just "the poor people" as sickness/redundancy and other matters prevail here Provision should be made. Not everyone is entitled to benefit from the state.
As long as a payment schedule of any small amount is being maintained then that should be acceptable in most circumstances. The amount should be a true reflection of what can be truly afforded at the time and not what is requested!
IVA is there, true, but will still take your equity eventually....despite government promise of reducing your debt by 75%. Now, maybe, but later you pay!

No debt can be paid when charges/penalties/fees etc are constantly added. This does not solve anything.
Look at the statistics for bankrupcy!

I agree that there should be no baliffs or parking attendants.
Not when they become a law unto themselves.
There should be tighter regulation on these people rather than brownie points for tickets issued, a bonus colour TV etc. Thats a joke! (well it would be funny if not true)

WHAT WE NEED IS:
1.A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO HELPING PEOPLE OUT OF DEBT
2.ASSISTANCE WHEN IN DEBT IF THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN
3.A SET OF STRICT REGULATIONS REGARDING DEBT COLLECTION, IN A LANGUAGE EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS AND EASILY ACCESSABLE
(your website is a good start for those of us with computers)
4. AN FREE INDEPENDANT ADJUDICATOR FOR WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
5. BETTER CONTROL OVER OUR FINANCES TO HELP AVOID THESE ISSUES
That means by the government stepping in and
a)Taking to task those companies who exploit the consumer by not allowing standing orders and other payment methods (again, dictatorial)
b)Making banks/finance companies reduce unfair excessive charges/penalties
c) Having cheaper charges/less finance available for 18 - 21's as getting into debt is far too easy for them and they don't have the knowhow to argue back.
d) BALIFFS ARE NOT THE ANSWER - HELP PEOPLE Don't oppress them.

OK. rant over, sorry guys/gals - this makes me sick.
How can anyone live with themselves after removing someones personal belongings is beyond comprehension. How do these guys sleep at night?

[Givuzagame]

Reading about your discussion with interest....
Would our baliff consumer friend like to answer the following please.

Do you think to charge £200 for "the van coming out" is a justified charge even if no goods are taken? (+ baliff fee I might add)

Do you think to bank a late cheque then still come out and add a further £240 to the debt is a fair charge?

Do you think that total charges to date on my shop council tax/and probably other consumer friends debts that equate to half of the annual council tax is fair?

and what when your children are over 18 and have bought their own goods in the house? They may not have receipts.....

I agree with the comments up above.
There should be a document provided with every baliff letter giving clear concise advice and law regarding your visit as to what can and can't be taken. This would alleviate a lot of stress for many people.

Also, I think that all baliff and debt collection agencies should be made to put their correct contact details/address/phone/fax/and vat numbers on their documents.

How many of us have found it difficult to contact such people after their letters arriving. Look at this website. You'll see many people!
There should be an investigative body to control anyone within the debt collection business as at present seem a law unto themselves and the courts are doing nothing as it simply alleviates their own pressures.

I feel another petition coming on....