Help needed R.E - Rossendales/Council

[chris600uk]

income support?, then you must apply to have the account taken back by the counci

[chris600uk]

To: Bailiff Company


 

Date:



 

Dear Sirs,

Re: Account reference.



 

I refer to your letter dated (enter date)informing me that your company have been instructed by (enter local authority) to enforce a warrant/liability order etc against me, in respect of arrears of council tax. 

In your letter you state that you will be visiting/returning to my home to (seize/auction etc my goods.)unless full payment of (enter amount) is made by return.

The purpose of this letter is to advise your company that I am in receipt of (income support/jobseekers allowance) and am enclosing as proof, a copy of (payment book/letter from benefits agency.)

I am informed that deductions can be made directly from my benefits to pay my arrears of council tax. This is provided for in the Council Tax (Deductions from Income Support) Regulations 1993.

For this reason, I would like to request that this account be referred back to (local authority) so that the relevant forms can be completed.

I am also aware that once deductions are in place, Regulation 52 of The Council Tax (Administration & Enforcement) Regulations 1992 expressly forbids any enforcement action.

As I have now made you aware of (my/our) circumstances, and provided proof, if your company continues with enforcement action, I will consider making a formal complaint about the bailiff’s conduct to the County Court

Could you please confirm safe receipt of this letter, a copy of which is being sent to my local authority.

 






Yours Faithfully.

 

 

This letter was designed by tomtubby and originally downloaded from

bailiff advice online

[chris600uk]

email it to the bailiffs, back it up with a hard copy sent by recorded delivery, email a copy to the council and an email copy to the head of the council tax department.

 

That, ought to do it, then you'll have about £3 a week taken out of benefit

[chris600uk]

I think you have to reapply for council tax benefit on a yearly basis.

 

Yes you do, and if at any time your benefit changes or is interrupted for some reason you may have to reapply then too.

 

This happened to me, and trying to get the council to see that at the time wasn't a problem - I spent hours on the phone sorting it out.

 

But years later, there was no proof and so although they were prepared to backdate the claims if there was evidence that I was entitled to the CT benefit, I had none.

 

You should go to see the council and ask them to review the CT liability on the basis that you were entitled to the benefit at all times - you'd be surprised what they can do if they want to.

 

I agree - the bailiff who saw you did the right thing - they're not all monsters, some are just ordinary people who need a job - and someone has to do it.

[chris600uk]

I might give the DWP a ring to see if they can write me a letter confirming this and take it along to the council with me.

 

That's always a good idea, don't forget though that the council will ask the DWP themselves, and then must inform you of the result.

[chris600uk]

Be nice but firm - the first people you see will probably say things like - "there's nothing we can do", or "you'll have to deal with the bailiffs", you need to speak to a supervisor if that happens.

 

Don't be put off and don't be fobbed off - keep your cool and get your case Escalated, I think that's the buzz word. Good luck.

[chris600uk]

That's right, the cheapest way to pay is online direct to the council.

 

But if you are happier doing it this way, and you understand that R's will collect from each payment, then there's no reason why not.

 

Just don't let them in! Ever!

[chris600uk]

Erm, well, maybe.

 

And not necessarily.

 

What's most likely is they'll leave you alone for a while.

[chris600uk]

but I see huggysboss has put it very well