Council Tax Help us put Rossendales OUT OF BUSINESS

[hallowitch]

this might answer some of your questions

The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992

[hallowitch]

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/bailiffs-sheriff-officers/203289-code-practice-local-authorities.html

[jimbo45]

Thanks

That's VERY HELPFUL

 

The Post also on Devon and Cornwall Police guidelines in the Sticky section in this Forum is good as well.

 

Once again thanks -- I'm not a Lawyer and rather late in life (until relatively recently) have always been earning Good Money --not HUGE but decent.

 

I'm new to this stuff and just finding out the unbelievable B/S "Ordinary People" have to put up with.

 

Having Lived and worked in various countries including France and seen how people will NOT put up with B/S in those countries I'm NOT going to LIE DOWN and be trodden on by these bullies just because I'm back in the UK.

 

If this nonsense were to happen in France before you could even say the word Bailiff the whole village will turn up and support you - even the gendarmes are OK if obvious injustice is taking place - doesn't matter if you don't speak much French and come from another country -- you are in their village and "there for the grace of god go I" is a thought that passes in their minds -- The Fro--ies are fine --wish we had the same "Civic spirit".

 

Cheers

jimbo

[woody1066]

"ordinary people"???

[jimbo45]

"ordinary people"???

Hi Woody

 

No disrepect intended here - what I meant was that after a reasonable time of earning good money where all these sort of problems were non existant for me I find myself now having to deal with these types of problems that HUGE swathes of people have to handle every day - probably the majority who one way or another are struggling to pay bills / mortgages etc etc whilst these BAILIFF **** try and make their odious living by employing SCARE TACTICS against people who they think will be easy prey.

 

The vast majority of people (including myself) have very little experience of the Law --especially being at the receiving end of this type of B/S and it's THANKS to sites like this that help us through what is a real minefield.

 

I still have trouble in believing that a lot of this stuff goes on. - I'm over 60 now and always had been bought up to think Britain was a fair and decent society -- as I'm nudging towards "Senior Citizenshio" I'm not so sure anymore.

 

Anyway let's push on -- if we cause enough clogs into Bailiff Council Tax collection systems we might get the whole wretched system reformed. (Note of course much as we might not like it TAX in one way or another will have to be paid - and for that we need to get the Politicians to institute fairer taxation systems -- however that's another story -- all we can do here that current systems for collecting tax comply 100% WITHIN THE LAW and report those that don't).

 

Cheers

jimbo

[woody1066]

No offence taken. I was just making the point that anyone can fall foul of these leeches.

 

All it takes is a disputed parking fine.

[jimbo45]

Hi all

i've also posted a similar note on the "Legal Issues" but it's probably more appropriate here so excuse if this is a "Cross or Double Post".

 

What is the sitaution where 2 or more Men Bailiff's turn up whether or not they have the right of entry and there is only a Single (Lone) woman in the House

 

If I were a Single woman I would not like to admit a strange man - let alone 2 of them into my home.

 

The Police (for their protection as well as that of the woman) always have a WPC present when dealing with women.

 

Is there any LAW on this in the case of Bailiff's and Lone Women

 

(Guidelines are NOT LAW - LAW is covered by REGULATIONS).

 

In Fedual Britain I suppose the Bailiff's would in those cases where they have the right of entry still have the right - but if I were a Lone woman I certainly wouldn't want them in whether they had the right of entry or not.

 

I saw that Young guy from LBW smirking all over his face on "The Bailiff"s on TV last night -- I'm fit and strong and I certainly wouldn't like to deal with him in the proverbial "Dark Alley".

 

I've looked over the Net and can't seem to find any info on this.

 

I'm sure Lone Women don't ALL have perfect payment track records - if you are a Lone woman what do you do if 2 men turn up.

 

BTW I've complained to the BBC and other channels about "The Bailiff's -- NEVER have I seen "The other side of the case expressed" -- Your right NOT to let them in, excessive illegal charges, thuggy tactics etc etc.

 

This is almost the 21st century version of "Grandma's knitting on the Steps of the Guillotine" or Tyburn Public Hangings

 

Seems we haven't progressed very far.

 

Cheers

jimbo

[High Court Enforcer]

Providing the debtor is over 18, the Bailiffs have a right to enter peaceably.

 

Oh and if it's any consilation, the BBC show is laughable from my side of the fence also. Not a true representation of the industry at all. You're probably wasting your time compalining though as the show finished several years ago.

[tottys]

there is no way i would let 2 strange men into my house i was stupid enough to let the one in but if i ever saw 2 stood there i would not open the door

[jimbo45]

Hi all

 

Happy new year to everyone.

 

Just before XMAS (typical of this whole type of Industry - Baliff's / DCA's etc trying to extort HUGE amounts of uauthorized fees from people to enhance their Xmas bonuses) Rossendals had added a Whopping 297 GBP on to my bill of 590 GBP back Council tax with a nasty threatogram saying they were going to Break in / Change the locks etc.

 

I wrote to Rossendales - asking for

 

a) Their statement of Fees and

b) The legal mandate they had of threatening a break in / Locksmith use.

 

I mentioned as well that I have adequate video and phone recording equipment to verify when and if any "Visit" took place and am aware of the Fees that are allowed to be collected.

 

Got back a reply -- "Not our business -- that's the responsibility of the Bailiff - you must contact him directly.

 

I don't normally do this but I rang Rossendales and quoted the account number and said could you please give me a breakdown of Fees.

 

The woman on the other end could only mouth a single sentence over and over again -- You must contact the Bailiff directly--- --Even when I asked a question "This guy works for you doesn't he -- what sort of Firm is it that doesn't have any control over its employees / sub contractors.

 

Still the same 6 words in an almost not understandable "Darlington" Accent

 

You must contact the Bailiff directly.

 

Anyway I left a message on the Bailiff's mobile phone saying - You have attempted to levy unathorized charges and threaten "aggrevated tresspass" as well as attempting to extort money. I intend to report YOU personally to the OFT and Humberside Police as well as attempting to have your company removed as a business by Companies House as it is obviously not being run in a manner appropriate to a registered business.

 

I am also reporting you to the various court certification bodies to have your certification removed as you have obviously strayed well outside the Law.

 

Guess what

 

Got a Letter back from the City couincil saying I could pay the tax back to them in 2 instalments provided I pay the "2 visit" fees (41 GBP)".

 

Well however you look at it 41 GBP is better than 297 GBP and what's more they have (the City Council) acknowledged that they are looking at their tax collection procedures with a view to ensuring all collections comply strictly within the law and people are not subject to undue harassement.

 

Well I've paid BOTH instalments - so finally these people (?) are off my backs -- but what ****.

 

Without info from this excellent Forum I probably would have been suckered into letting these low lifes in and having to pay out really extortionate charges -- now with a bit of Luck we might have got one less city council using Rossendales.

 

I'll keep you posted on the "Bailiff Removal" and Rossendales Company House Registration. At the very least we might be able to get the directors barred from being co directors again.

 

Cheers Have a DCA and Bailiff Free New Year

and thanks Caggers

 

Jimbo

Edited December 31, 2009 by jimbo45

[wonkeydonkey]

Well done well done:)

 

I hope you have encouraged more people to stand up to the "system" and the industry that needs a complete overhaul.

 

wd

Edited December 31, 2009 by wonkeydonkey

[ncf355]

Nice work there!

[jimbo45]

Well done well done:)

 

I hope you have encouraged more people to stand up tp the "system" snd the industry that needs a complete overhaul.

 

wd

 

Hi there

I've spent a few days in the wet and cold near the City Hall advising people of how to stand up against these **** when dealing with overdue Council Tax and excessive charges -- was only "moved on once" and that was because I was ostensibly "obstructing" the entrance to a Councils "Customer Care (??) Centre" . I Just moved back another 30 metres and carried on.

 

 

Also showed people using a laptop about this excellent site.

 

We all have to pay tax -- and it's of course not nice - but sometimes people DO get into genuine difficulty and in these cases all collection methods should be FAIR, COMPASSIONATE and above all WITHIN THE LAW.

 

Charging outrageous fees and threatening to use powers they don't have just destroys whatever little credability there is left in the system.

 

In the 21st century threatening a lot of "vulnerable" people with strongarm (and illegal) tactics more appropriate to the Mediaeval period is totally out of order for a so called "modern democracy" like Britain.

 

Note to anybody with unpaid CT -- you will have to pay it eventually unless you can get relief -- but above all NEVER EVER LET THE BAILIFF'S IN. You don't have to and provided you are willing to pay something TO THE COUNCIL - NOT THE BAILIFF'S you WILL NOT BE SENT TO PRISON.

 

Offer to pay the council something -- even if they refuse - and DO NOT LET THE BAILIFF'S IN.

 

Ensure that when you empty your Bins the doors are locked -- this is a favorite time for them to enter as people think -- oh it's only a few seconds while I push the bins into the street.

 

Hide your Car as well if you have one. (Park a few streets away).

 

If the bailiff actually rings the bell Don't answer or even speak through the letterbox etc -- 100% totally IGNORE.

 

If they look threatening and won't leave quickly call the Police. The Police will not let the Bailiff's in without a valid court order (and forced entry is not permitted for Council Tax).

 

Eventually the case will go back to the council --if more people refused to deal with bailiff's or only pay the permitted fees then the whole process could be tidied up much more fairly.

 

Once again I can't stress this too much too much -- NEVER EVER let them in. Once they've been admitted "all bets are off" and you've pretty much given them the keys to the kingdom.

I'm not sure what the charges are here and the whole area of "Walking Possession" etc is a minefield. Once they've been admitted they CAN come back again and BREAK IN if they have to.

 

So again --PLEASE NEVER EVER EVER LET THEM IN.

 

Happy new year everyone.

Cheers

jimbo

Edited December 31, 2009 by jimbo45

[sillygirl1]

Well done, the more people who complain directly to the authorities on the scandal of bailiff charges the better.

 

It was an unlicenced bailiffs actions which helped me find CAG and sort my longer term problems out, three years later there are two payments left on a debt... and then I am debt free and intend to stay that way.

 

I am not in the least bothered about my credit rating, I don't want nor need credit any more so i can live within my means and still have 'luxuries' such as the odd weekend away and broadband internet.

 

Fighting the bailiffs is a very depressing thing to do but needs to be done, they are not invincible as they think and the more councils wake up to the fact that they are causing more problems the better.

[spamheed]

One more to the little people, It's amazing once you know a little about the lawful procedures you become aware of exactly how deceiptful these "people" are

[tomtubby]

Hi all

 

Happy new year to everyone.

 

Just before XMAS (typical of this whole type of Industry - Baliff's / DCA's etc trying to extort HUGE amounts of uauthorized fees from people to enhance their Xmas bonuses) Rossendals had added a Whopping 297 GBP on to my bill of 590 GBP back Council tax with a nasty threatogram saying they were going to Break in / Change the locks etc.

 

I wrote to Rossendales - asking for

 

a) Their statement of Fees and

b) The legal mandate they had of threatening a break in / Locksmith use.

 

I mentioned as well that I have adequate video and phone recording equipment to verify when and if any "Visit" took place and am aware of the Fees that are allowed to be collected.

 

Got back a reply -- "Not our business -- that's the responsibility of the Bailiff - you must contact him directly.

 

I don't normally do this but I rang Rossendales and quoted the account number and said could you please give me a breakdown of Fees.

 

The woman on the other end could only mouth a single sentence over and over again -- You must contact the Bailiff directly--- --Even when I asked a question "This guy works for you doesn't he -- what sort of Firm is it that doesn't have any control over its employees / sub contractors.

 

Still the same 6 words in an almost not understandable "Darlington" Accent

 

You must contact the Bailiff directly.

 

Anyway I left a message on the Bailiff's mobile phone saying - You have attempted to levy unathorized charges and threaten "aggrevated tresspass" as well as attempting to extort money. I intend to report YOU personally to the OFT and Humberside Police as well as attempting to have your company removed as a business by Companies House as it is obviously not being run in a manner appropriate to a registered business.

 

I am also reporting you to the various court certification bodies to have your certification removed as you have obviously strayed well outside the Law.

 

Guess what

 

Got a Letter back from the City couincil saying I could pay the tax back to them in 2 instalments provided I pay the "2 visit" fees (41 GBP)".

 

Well however you look at it 41 GBP is better than 297 GBP and what's more they have (the City Council) acknowledged that they are looking at their tax collection procedures with a view to ensuring all collections comply strictly within the law and people are not subject to undue harassement.

 

Well I've paid BOTH instalments - so finally these people (?) are off my backs -- but what ****.

 

Without info from this excellent Forum I probably would have been suckered into letting these low lifes in and having to pay out really extortionate charges -- now with a bit of Luck we might have got one less city council using Rossendales.

 

I'll keep you posted on the "Bailiff Removal" and Rossendales Company House Registration. At the very least we might be able to get the directors barred from being co directors again.

 

Cheers Have a DCA and Bailiff Free New Year

and thanks Caggers

 

Jimbo

 

EXCELLENT WORK !!

 

HOWEVER.....

 

A couple of years ago, I wrote to over 100 local authorities for copies of their contracts with bailiff etc and I also asked each council how many complaints they received concerning their respective bailiffs companies.

 

The vast majority stated that they received one, two or a maximum of three complaints !!! That is ALL ...

 

This is because a "Complaint" is only registered as a "Complaint" IF...AND ONLY IF...it is headed as a "Formal Complaint" and addressed to the Chief Executive's office.

 

Please ensure that you do this.....and this applies to all viewers on these forums.

 

PS: The Local Government Ombudsman's have also confirmed to our office that this should be done ( in particular if you are considering forwarding a complaint to the LGO.

[Nintendo Pü]

 

This is because a "Complaint" is only registered as a "Complaint" IF...AND ONLY IF...it is headed as a "Formal Complaint" and addressed to the Chief Executive's office.

 

Please ensure that you do this.....and this applies to all viewers on these forums. .

 

The public are not made aware of this and thus, the official statistics cannot be treated as a reliable count of the genuine number of complaints.

 

 

A couple of years ago, I wrote to over 100 local authorities for copies of their contracts with bailiff etc

 

There is not much point writing to 100 authorities for individual contracts they have with their bailiffs. The text of the contract is drafted at the Local Government Association. You will get 100 near identical contracts and a waste of £1000, the Freedom of Information Act fee is £10 per request.

[tomtubby]

The public are not made aware of this and thus, the official statistics cannot be treated as a reliable count of the genuine number of complaints.

 

 

 

 

There is not much point writing to 100 authorities for individual contracts they have with their bailiffs. The text of the contract is drafted at the Local Government Association. You will get 100 near identical contracts and a waste of £1000, the Freedom of Information Act fee is £10 per request.

 

In fact I did not pay any fee at all and also many of the contacts are very different indeed. What was surprising is that a very large percentage of local authorities do not have any Contract at all and neither do they have a SLA.

 

One council that springs to mind is Hammersmith and Fulham !!

[Nintendo Pü]

Hammersmith, and others such as Croydon and Merton have often employed their own civil enforcement who work from the town hall iteslf. They wouldnt need a public sector contract.

[High Court Enforcer]

I'll keep you posted on the "Bailiff Removal" and Rossendales Company House Registration. At the very least we might be able to get the directors barred from being co directors again. Jimbo

 

Under what grounds do you think you'll stand a chance of removing the company from Companies House or the getting the Directors banned? None, I'd say.

 

If an individual bailiff has misrepresented himself then your beef should be with the court that certificated him....

[High Court Enforcer]

In fact I did not pay any fee at all and also many of the contacts are very different indeed. What was surprising is that a very large percentage of local authorities do not have any Contract at all and neither do they have a SLA.

 

NP, TT is right. The tendering process means that most contracts are significantly different, allowing different fees etc.

[Nintendo Pü]

If this is council tax collection, the bailiffs fees are set by legislation, no contract can subvert legislation in this way. Councils cannot agree reasonable costs because they have no way of know the make-up of those costs in advance of the work being done.

[tomtubby]

Hammersmith, and others such as Croydon and Merton have often employed their own civil enforcement who work from the town hall iteslf. They wouldnt need a public sector contract.

 

Merton are a law unto themselves !!

 

 

In the case of Hammersmith they were at that time using a well know bailiff company !!

 

With the new regulator being the SIA we are going to find that many local authorities will be taking more of the bailiff work in house. This will provide another source of additional revenue into the local authority.

[High Court Enforcer]

If this is council tax collection, the bailiffs fees are set by legislation, no contract can subvert legislation in this way. Councils cannot agree reasonable costs because they have no way of know the make-up of those costs in advance of the work being done.

 

Different councils allow different van charges....

[Nintendo Pü]

Merton are a law unto themselves !!.

 

Dont we know, I found this screen-capture taken from Mertons website funny as fcuk, and even more hilarious seeing it disappear from the internet as quick as a flash the minute a claimant stuck it front of a Judge.