Bailiff for c.tax

[pompeyfaith]

Although I was pregnant whilst working so I guess that could have been classed as vulnerable.

Very much so.

 

Those who might be considered vulnerable include the following:

the elderly;

people with a disability;

the seriously ill;

the recently bereaved;

single parent families;

pregnant women;

unemployed people; and,

those who have obvious difficulty in understanding, speaking or reading English.

[ploddertom]

I need to digest some of this before even attempting any letters as I have spent all night completing a particular of claim ready to submit an N1 after easter

 

Is it possible to explain further - do not compromise yourself or post personal info.

 

PT

[RaeUK]

I find it absolutely disgraceful that councils are referring vulnerable people to bailiffs.

 

In many cases if not all the council will know that they are vulnerable by documents submitted to them for benefits and/or discounts so they have no excuse.

 

PF

 

I like the cut of your jib, sir! There is absolutely no excuse at all. The bailiffs are all signed up to the notion of the National Standards from which the Association of Civil Enforcement Agents own code of conduct is mirrored. They all know it. The councils likewise give lip service to the Standards. The problem, unfortunately, is a greedy need for money. The bailiffs hope nobody notices and the councils have since learned that if Mum goes to Iceland it's not necessarily a place for them also...

 

Beyondhope, if I don't draft a couple of letters for you tonight then it'll be done tomorrow. No-one will read emails / letters before Tuesday...

 

Best wishes

Rae

[beyondhope]

Is it possible to explain further - do not compromise yourself or post personal info.

 

PT

 

I have a realllly long thread here relating to the N1 - unlawful rescission of a HP agreement due to s88 cca along with unfair relationship s140a cca

[pompeyfaith]

Crossed in the post PF.

 

Its ok Kelcou great minds think alike!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[beyondhope]

I like the cut of your jib, sir! There is absolutely no excuse at all. The bailiffs are all signed up to the notion of the National Standards from which the Association of Civil Enforcement Agents own code of conduct is mirrored. They all know it. The councils likewise give lip service to the Standards. The problem, unfortunately, is a greedy need for money. The bailiffs hope nobody notices and the councils have since learned that if Mum goes to Iceland it's not necessarily a place for them also...

 

Beyondhope, if I don't draft a couple of letters for you tonight then it'll be done tomorrow. No-one will read emails / letters before Tuesday...

 

Best wishes

Rae

 

Thank you so much Rae no major rush as they will know im sniffing around due to the letter I posted first class today....the next £10 is due on wednesday should I continue to pay as normal or wait until it is passed back to council?

[RaeUK]

I would continue to pay as required until, I hope, this goes back to the council for AOB. This will just prevent the bailiff having an excuse for more visits etc. That said it is a big strain on your finances.

I think you have several good reasons to complain for what is happening now and what has happened in the past.

Best wishes

Rae

[beyondhope]

Thats fine just wanted to be 100% sure of where I stood i will continue to pay but it will be by debit card from now on for traceability although I do have the receipts for the ones paid into the office in cash. Robbing g*ts charge enough for paying by card as well!

 

Thank you all so much for all your help!

[hallowitch]

you are doing the correct thing continuing to pay as long as you are making payments on time they have no reason to return to your home to add More fees (van attendance) and it looks good if this has to go to the ombudsman

 

in the meantime wait till you get your fees breakdown (make sure you get the fees both account) thats always an interesting read especially if the are collecting more than account your levy is unlawful and fees for this should be removed once you get the breakdown you can start playing the letter game between the bailiff company the council and yourself

 

there is plenty help here to write these letters for you if you need it

[beyondhope]

you are doing the correct thing continuing to pay as long as you are making payments on time they have no reason to return to your home to add More fees (van attendance) and it looks good if this has to go to the ombudsman

 

in the meantime wait till you get your fees breakdown (make sure you get the fees both account) thats always an interesting read especially if the are collecting more than account your levy is unlawful and fees for this should be removed once you get the breakdown you can start playing the letter game between the bailiff company the council and yourself

 

there is plenty help here to write these letters for you if you need it

 

thank you hallowitch I will do. I think help will be most needed

[RaeUK]

Well, BH, I'll volunteer for the bailiff / council formal complaint letters. [made a note to do these on the morrow]. Others better than I will, I trust, do likewise for the fee request etc. Looks like the Easter Bunny is delivering for you this year...

How is the little one doing, btw?

Best wishes

Rae.

[beyondhope]

Well, BH, I'll volunteer for the bailiff / council formal complaint letters. [made a note to do these on the morrow]. Others better than I will, I trust, do likewise for the fee request etc. Looks like the Easter Bunny is delivering for you this year...

How is the little one doing, btw?

Best wishes

Rae.

 

Thank you Rae you are most kind im be around for a little while tonight if you need any further info Ill be on and off tomorrow during the day around going to an easter egg hunt *prays for no more rain and snow* and ill no doubt be on and off tomorrow evening whilst my friend comes round for a good sob at my sisters keeper

 

He is absolutely divine gave us a scare yesterday by whacking his head on the corner of a wall and needing a trip to hospital to be checked out but otherwise hes fab Gotta enjoy him as he's the last for sure

 

Thank you again for all your help x

[RaeUK]

It's absolutely no trouble. I thoroughly enjoy writing letters for people here when I can. That said, it doesn't mean they'll be letters you like or would want to use. They can be disregarded and I won't mind. I just put them up as an offer.

I was simply lucky that I was born with a predisposition for words. My preferred reading when at primary school was for dictionarys and encyclopedias. And for those old enough to recall, bus tickets that had masses of terms and conditions on the back. I'd read them avidly!

So, what I'm trying to say, is that they are just a form of relaxation and interest to me.

I know, I should've got a life...

Best wishes

Rae.

[beyondhope]

It's absolutely no trouble. I thoroughly enjoy writing letters for people here when I can. That said, it doesn't mean they'll be letters you like or would want to use. They can be disregarded and I won't mind. I just put them up as an offer.

I was simply lucky that I was born with a predisposition for words. My preferred reading when at primary school was for dictionarys and encyclopedias. And for those old enough to recall, bus tickets that had masses of terms and conditions on the back. I'd read them avidly!

So, what I'm trying to say, is that they are just a form of relaxation and interest to me.

I know, I should've got a life...

Best wishes

Rae.

 

I must admit I do like a good bit of letter writing and have become abit of a CAG addict since the latter end of last year although predominently lurking in the welcome finance forum - you know what its like when a woman has a grudge Thanks again

[RaeUK]

I've been doing a little bit of light rooting around. It doesn't appear your bailiff company care to grace the innernet with an easily locatable website.

However, they do appear to be members of the Enforcement Services Association.

The ESAs Code of Practice item number 2 (I didn't have to do that much rooting around!) clearly stares: Members should comply with the National Standards for Enforcement Agents.

Glad to see they do ...

Best wishes

Rae.

[RaeUK]

Here is a template letter to the bailiff company. You will notice that it is short, simple and to the point. You will also notice that, at this stage, there is no mention of making a complaint. All that is occuring is that you are officially notifying the company of your status, ie you are both in receipt of benefits.

What should happen is that the company say 'oh, fair enough' and happily fulfill their obligations...

However, if they respond in a negative manner, then is the time to follow up with an official complaint including why they should have done so not only on this occassion but last year also. Then is also the time to write the complaint to the council.

From a very brief rummage around the net I suspect the initial response will be the latter not the former. Just bear in mind this is the first shot and you have a lot in reserve.

 

...................................

 

Dear Sir / Madam,

 

Reference number:

 

I am writing with regard to the above account relating to a Council Tax Liability Order.

 

It would appear from advice I have received that my household circumstances are classed as vulnerable according to the National Standards for Enforcement Agents. The reason for this is due to both my husband and I being unemployed and in receipt of State Benefits. These are

. You will be aware that a household income of State Benefits only will leave very little for debt payment.

 

I enclose proof of our vulnerable nature. This is in the form of copies of correspondence relating to our Benefits. [Don’t forget to include them!]

 

As the current situation is having an aggravated and detrimental affect on our health, I am requesting that the case is returned to the initiating Local Authority. Doing so would allow us to address the issue rationally, without fear, whilst putting in place an affordable and sustainable payment plan through an Attachment To Benefits.

 

I also request that, in the interim period, no further visits be made to my home as they impact adversely on us.

 

I would be grateful if you would please confirm safe receipt of this letter.

 

A copy of this letter has also been sent to XXX Council for their information.

 

Yours faithfully.

 

 

Please note: this correspondence is being sent by both electronic and conventional mail.

 

..................................................

 

Email a copy to the bailiff company so they have something nice to read on Tuesday. Hard copy posted signed for. Copy email [optional] to the Revenues Division of the appropriate council. Hard copy sent signed for to the Head of Revenues.

 

 

Obviously you can change, alter, add or ignore my letter as you so desire.

 

 

Best wishes

Rae.

Edited April 3, 2010 by RaeUK
dotty...

[beyondhope]

Thank you ever so much Rae. I wouldnt be at all surprised if i get a phone call in response to it as the last letter I sent regarding changing payments to £10 pw instead of £100 pm I specifically asked for confirmation in writing....never got it only a phone call saying yes thats fine

[RaeUK]

Hi, from what little I've read about them they do seem a trifle lacking in customer service skills!

If you get a phone call either record it if practical or make a note of date, time and content. That'll be good enough to trigger the next letters...

Best wishes

Rae.

[beyondhope]

Hi, from what little I've read about them they do seem a trifle lacking in customer service skills!

If you get a phone call either record it if practical or make a note of date, time and content. That'll be good enough to trigger the next letters...

Best wishes

Rae.

 

 

Hi rae ive not seen much at all about them not even an email adress. I will keep a note of date and times of any calls just incase thank you

[RaeUK]

They don't appear to have a website. But if you uk google their name you'll find lots of little business directories which capture their details. Not sure how up to date. That's how I found their ESA membership...

Best wishes

Rae

[beyondhope]

Thanks again rae im on a printathon so will get letter printed whilst im at it im intrigued to their response regarding the letter I sent as well esp as I cc'd the council in

[beyondhope]

All printed, copies of benefit letter included and enveloped ready for bailiff and council Thank you again for your help

[RaeUK]

You're welcome. Sometimes bailiffs email back pdq with 'we cannot withdraw action without instruction from the council' or somesuch. That'll be fine. You then send a simple letter to them requesting their complaints procedure and, at the same time, a formal complaint to the council.

Best wishes and a Happy Easter.

Rae.

[beyondhope]

You're welcome. Sometimes bailiffs email back pdq with 'we cannot withdraw action without instruction from the council' or somesuch. That'll be fine. You then send a simple letter to them requesting their complaints procedure and, at the same time, a formal complaint to the council.

Best wishes and a Happy Easter.

Rae.

 

 

Ive still not located an email address but the hard copy is ready to go

Happy easter to you too x

[beyondhope]

Posted letter first recorded today thanks rae