Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
Hi, I had a visit from Equita bailiffs last Friday demanding £1460 there and then. I was talked into an arrangement of paying £460 this week and then £500 a month for 2 months. They said this was the best they could do even though I explained it was more or less impossible. He said the alternatives was seizing possesions or prison. He was not let in my house and I didn't sign anything. I phoned Bexley council to see if they would take the debt off of the bailiffs they said no, phone Equita Head office and try to make further arrangements. I phoned them and she said she would take the arrangement off of the file and me to speak to the bailiff when he calls Friday. Can anyone suggest what I should offer as a regular payment and the chances of me not ending up in jail. Thanks for reading this
Curleydel
Hi curleydel,
I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but a bailiff cannot threaten you with prison, they do not have that authority and the way he seems to have put things across are misleading and against the OFT guidlines. There are a number of letters in the templates to use with creditors/DCA,s ( great work of barracad) have a look in there.
Friendship costs nothing but its rewards can be priceless. Do not judge, as you will not be judged but if you can, try and assist where possible.
everyone is entitled to MY opinion! I offer my comments without prejudice or liability.
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Found this for you in another thread, it may help if you write to them offering a payment plan you can afford?
see this
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Your Reference
I understand XXX Council has appointed you to recover my Council Tax Liability arrears for 200x. which are £xxxx Council Tax Liability.
Firstly I would like to make you aware that I am aware of my rights and you will not gain entry to my home under any circumstances to levy goods and the fees allowed under statue and when which fees can be applied.
Due to my circumstances I am unable to pay this in one payment. I advocate a payment schedule of 24 months with 23 months payments at £xx.xx and the balance of £xx.xx to be paid on the 24th month to cover the principle. I understand this may seem a long time but this is a realistic offer that is affordable to me and will allow me to pay future bills issued for Council Tax without them falling into arrears. A greater amount would cause me real and factual hardship.
I am able to pay the above amount on the xx of each month, as an act of good faith I have enclosed the first payment chq number xxxxxx. Please advise how you would like future payments made. My personal preference is payment by Standing Order.
It should be noted that I am not at any point refusing to pay this debt but only asking for a fair payment period considering my circumstances. And if you are unable to accept my offer I will place the money aside each month until such a time the council take the account back into their management, when I will make payment of the set aside money to the council.
Please forward a statement of account to myself within 7 working days. Please ensure that the statement is itemised ands shows clearly payments made by me and the charges applied by yourself.
I am sending the council a copy of this letter and requesting that it be filed with my account for further reference.
I hope the above meets your approval and I look forward to your timely reply by letter.
Yours faithfully
Friendship costs nothing but its rewards can be priceless. Do not judge, as you will not be judged but if you can, try and assist where possible.
everyone is entitled to MY opinion! I offer my comments without prejudice or liability.
If you found my advice helpful, please click the scales at the top.
Don't respond to them or make any offers. They will eventually return the account to the Council and then you can make an arrangement to pay with them directly.
Expect a few visits before they return the account though. Just don't respond or acknowledge them if you are in when they turn up.
No point writing to them either. They won't take any notice.
Council Tax Arrears
last Friday demanding £1460 there and then. I was talked into an arrangement of paying £460 this week and then £500 a month for 2 months. They said this was the best they could do even though I explained it was more or less impossible. He said the alternatives was seizing possesions or prison. He was not let in my house and I didn't sign anything. I phoned Bexley council to see if they would take the debt off of the bailiffs
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