Council Tax Attachment to Earnings

[BlurredFX]

Hi Guys,

I have had a Attachment to Earnings for overdue council tax.

They are taking about loads of money off me every month, and I am behind on utility bills as a result.

Is there a procedure for asking to court to look again at the amount they are taking?

Cheers

[Joa]

I am sorry, this is slightly outside my expertise but they would know: National Debtline England & Wales, for FREE CONFIDENTIAL and INDEPENDENT ADVICE call 0808 808 4000
One of the best free, independent debt advice sources.

[Conniff]

When you say 'loads of money', how much exactly?

There are percentages laid down that have to be adhered to.

[BlurredFX]

I believe the money is being taken in accordance with the usual schedule. I will call the phone number and see what they say.

Thanks

[Mrs.Wifey]

Hi,

I'm sorry you're having a difficult time. I've been there more than once and have learned the hard way that the council always wins I haven't ever had attachment of earnings, but the arrears, bailiffs, etc. What I can tell you is that most likely, the attachment of earnings WILL stick, regardless. They don't care if your other bills are behind, or even if you can only afford beans on toast for the next however long. They believe that their bill is THE most important, and I'm pretty sure I actually read that in the 'friendly' pamphlet they send out each year with the new council tax bill lol.

Anyways, on the brighter side, utility companies are normally willing to help if you are having trouble paying. That is, assuming you aren't on a token/card meter...that could be rough If you are managing to scrape by, except with the utilities, then ring them up and speak to them. You can normally sort out a small payment plan. They can send you payment cards and you just put the small amount on them at the local shop. Of course, you'll be in arrears for awhile, but as long as you pay they are all right (in my experience). Even if you default, you can call them back up and try again (done that loads of times, unfortunately).

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do

[ss002d6252]

The court has no say in the Attachment of Earnings procedure - once the Liability Order is granted then the recovery process is at the discretion of the Council.

The employer is provided with a sheet which gives the rate of deduction as set down in law and is required to take this amount. You may be be able to get the council to withdraw and make an arrangement direct with you but its very rare that this will happen, you need to speak to them ASAP.

[Jemms00]

You can always write to the Council Tax Recovery Dept and enclose a list of your expenses (with proof of bills) and explain that the attachment is causing you a lot of financial problems, and in order for you to keep up with your current Council Tax you would appreciate if the amount can be reduced. Depends on your Local Council and the CT Dept but I've helped a friend with this before and it worked. You have to prove that its very hard for you to make the existing payments and suggest a reasonable amount (don't suggest something too low as they will just decline the request). Worth giving a go, good luck.

[BlurredFX]

Well, only a couple of hundred quid to go right now! Then i have other issues to deal with...

Watch out for the new thread...