Bad Bad News L I rang the Bailiffs office this morning to inform them I had paid the Council in full and they explained that their fees are payable first and the rest of the money goes to the Council even though I have made direct payments via the website and not to the Bailiff, potentially putting me back in their clutches. Not good L Not sure about that so I rang the Council recovery number and got the most uncooperative soul I have ever dealt with. As far as the Council are concerned despite the fact I have paid more than the original arrears I still need to pay the full amount to them to call off the Bailiffs, (I’m sure this chap must be in cahoots with the Bailiff) I challenged this individual about the obvious incorrect charges, explained no access had been gained, no levy had be made etc and he told me there is no such thing as fixed fees and a Bailiff can levy just by looking through a letterbox!! When I explained about the advice I had received from this forum he started ranting about “Don’t tell me how to do my job!!” I was absolutely livid, shocked and to be honest I’m still reeling! The upshot is since this has been such a stressful few days and the threats to remove the wife’s pride and joy I paid over the telephone there and then. Don’t ask me why because I’m still asking myself but the situation just got to me. I’ve done some Googleing and searching of this forum and found that possibly there is light at the end of the tunnel since I can use the “Subject Access Request” route to review fees that may have been overcharged which looks promising. To be honest at this point I feel gutted and I can’t say thanks enough to everyone especially ChloeJane and Goldlady who raised my knowledge and spirits! I just wish I’d stuck it out more but hay-ho. Tomorrow is another day and I will write to the Financial Director of Amber Valley Council to lodge a complaint about that member of staff and send my S.A.R - (Subject Access Request) with a £10 fee to Birchills. Many many thanks -Tim This Battle Is Lost But This War Will Be Won

Sort of , I asked but I wouldn't know what I was looking for to be honest. He showed me a badge, an ID card and a laminated A5 sized document with a photo on which I assume is a Court Certificate. An earlier poster referred to a telephone number to verify this, (thanks btw), which I will do in the morning. My concern now is can he levy goods for his fees £205.33, which is the the situation currently or can I ring him and say "On yer bike mate" and send a cheque to his office for £43? Its like a game of chess now lol! Many thanks -Tim

Bailiffs vists 3 1st I wasn't in 2nd By prior arrangement to discuss payment and fees (see earlier post) 3rd Today, again I wasn't at home. All occasions no access to property and no levy made Hope this helps -Tim

Thanks for that Can the Bailiff seize goods to pay their fees or do I take the matter with them "offline" as it were via a cheque to their head office? I managed to get hold of the council tody and I have it from them I am now in credit to the tune of £35.33. On returning home I have found a hand delivered letter from Birchills with a revised bill for £205.83 must be for their charges. The letter is also underlining the statment about removal of cars so I assume he is going to try and take the wifes classic car despite the fact I have told him we have reciepts. Also does it matter about over paying the council? I never thought to ask at the time and now they've all gone home and its an answerphone? Many thanks -Tim

I read that the average auction price for seized goods may be as little as 10% of the original value. Does that give the Bailiff grounds to seize goods to cover that potential overhead? Interesting point postggj -Tim

Just arrived home and everything is still in its place so good news on that front. One thing that struck us on the way home was a Bailiff may enter through an open window and claim "Peaceful Entry" status and gain access to the house and contents. All our windows were obviously closed BUT sometimes we leave open a window in the conservatory. We lock the connecting door which is the original rear access. If a Bailiff was to enter the conservatory through that window is that classed as "Peaceful Entry"?? As far as I am aware a conservatory is not classed as a "Habitable Room" as it requires no planning permission to build (in most cases). Since a conservatory is not a habitable room it doesn't form part of the house therefore the Bailiff hasn't gained "Peaceful Entry" QED or is that too simple?

The bill for the arrears is in my name only and I like the idea of the notices placed in the vehicles, good call. I may even have a word with my neighbours, which will be horrendously embarrassing. According to what I have read if they do take the vehicles any removal costs are passed on to me but hopefully if they read the notices they may not remove them. Thanks for your input -Tim

I did at the beginning of the year pay my Poll Tax each month but when I changed bank accounts the Direct Debit didn’t get set up and I went into arrears. When I received threatening letters from the council I naively believed I had all year to pay, since this is for 2007-2008. Next thing, bang-whiz, threats of court action and before I know it Bailiff letter, followed by a visit this week but I wasn’t at home. Just a threatening leaflet left explaining he would be back within the next 48hours with a van and Police if necessary. As I said in the previous post I rang the Council and they wasn’t interested so after reading the FAQ etc on this forum I paid a lump sum via the Councils website for what I think is the balance. I’ve left my vehicle at work to avoid seizure but I do have a concern about my wife’s cars parked on the drive. Can he remove them? They are registered in my name for insurance purposes but she does have receipts and proof of purchase, which I did explain to the Bailiff, who seemed very interested in them at the time. However we are away all weekend and are curious if the Bailiff may try and collect them while we’re gone. I could move one but the other is a restoration project and isn’t taxed or tested so I cant leave it on the highway. Again many thanks for your patience and help in advance -Tim PS The Bailiff company is Birchalls if that helps anyone

Bailiff arrived today to collect the outstanding arrears on my council tax. He didn't realise I had made a payment to the Council directly via their website this morning. His figure is £870.50 but would not give me a breakdown of the bill. He said I would only get a list of charges on the back of the reciept when I pay HIM. The council who I rang this morning refuse to discuss the matter "As its in the hands of the bailiffs" but their online payment system has given me a reicept for £700 which I figure is about the right amount. Question? How do I get this chap off my back? He coming back in 24 hours for £870.50 because he insists I pay HIM. I've read the advice about refusing entry etc and I wont be in all weekend anyway. Will the Council automatically remove the warrant? Do I still have to pay the Bailiffs fees? Lots of questions i know but your help and input would be great Many thanks in advance -Tim PS Great site, lots of real good advice!