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    • Please see my witness statement below.  Please let me know what modifications I need to apply.  I haven't included anything related to "administrative charge while paying by credit or debit card" as I wasn't sure if I should include since sign says "it may apply"   Background  1.1 Defendant received the Parking Charge Notice (PCN) on the 06th of November 2020 following the vehicle being parked at Arla Old Dairy, South Ruislip on the 05th of December 2019.    Contract  2.1 No Locus Standi, I do not believe a contract exists with the landowner that gives MET Parking Services a right to bring claims in their own name. Definition of “Relevant contract” From PoFA (Protection of Freedoms Act) 2 [1] means a contract Including a contract arising only when the vehicle was parked on the relevant land between the driver and a person who is-  (a) the owner or occupier of the land; or  (b) Authorised, under or by virtue of arrangements made by the owner or occupier of the land, to enter into a contract with the driver requiring the payment of parking charges in respect of the parking of the vehicle on the land. According to https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/section/44  For a contract to be valid, it requires a director from each company to sign and then two independent witnesses must confirm those signatures.  The fact that no contract has been produced with the witness signatures present means the contract has not been validly executed. Therefore, there can be no contract established between MET Parking Services and the motorist. Even if “Parking in Electric Bay” could form a contract (which it cannot), it is immaterial. There is no valid contract.    Illegal Conduct – No Contract Formed  3.1 At the time of writing, the Claimant has failed to provide the following, in response to the CPR request from myself.  3.2        The legal contract between the Claimant and the landowner (which in this case is Standard Life Investments UK) to provide evidence that there is an agreement in place with landowner with the necessary authority to issue parking charge notices and to pursue payment by means of litigation.  3.3 Proof of planning permission granted for signage etc under the Town and country Planning Act 1990. Lack of planning permission is a criminal offence under this Act and no contract can be formed where criminality is involved.  3.4        I also do not believe the claimant possesses these documents.    Unfair PCN  4.1         As stipulated in Exhibit 1 (Pages 7-13) sent by DCB Legal following the defendant’s CPR request the signage displayed in their evidence clearly shows £60.00 parking charge notice and will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days of issue. The defendant puts it to the claimant a request for strict proof when the signage changed to show £100.00 parking charge as the evidence provided by DCB Legal stipulated £60.00 parking charge was indeed the parking charge at the time defendant parked and included in Exhibit 1   4.3        The Claimant did not respect PAPLOC   4.4        It is also unfair to delay litigation for so long and claim nearly four years' interest.    No Keeper Liability  5.1        The defendant was not the driver at the time and date mentioned in the PCN and the claimant has not established keeper liability under schedule 4 of the PoFA 2012. In this matter, the defendant puts it to the claimant to produce strict proof as to who was driving at the time.  5.2 The claimant in their Notice To Keeper also failed to comply with PoFA 2012 Schedule 4 section 9[2][f] while mentioning “the right to recover from the keeper so much of that parking charge as remains unpaid” where they did not include statement “(if all the applicable conditions under this Schedule are met)”.    5.3        The claimant did not mention parking period instead only mentioned time 20:25 which is not sufficient to qualify as a parking period.   Protection of Freedoms Act 2012  The notice must -  (a) specify the vehicle, the relevant land on which it was parked and the period of parking to which the notice relates;      No Breach of Contract  6.1      No breach of contract occurred because the PCN and contract provided as part of the defendant’s CPR request shows different post code, PCN shows HA4 0EY while contract shows HA4 0FY.  6.2        The wording “Electric Bay Abuse” is not listed on their signs nor there is any mention on the contract of any electric charging points at all let alone who can park there or use them.    Double Recovery  7.1        As well as the original £100 parking charge and £50 allowed court/legal costs, the Claimant seeks recovery of an additional £70.  7.2        PoFA Schedule 4, paragraph 4(5) states that “the maximum sum which may be recovered from the keeper is the amount specified in the notice to keeper”. Which in this case is £100.  7.3        The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 is also quite clear that the maximum amount recoverable is £100.  Government ministers and government web pages explaining the Act refer to extra charges as "a rip off".  7.4        Unless the Claimant can clearly demonstrate how these alleged additional costs have been incurred this would appear to be an attempt at double recovery.  7.5        Previous parking charge cases have found that the parking charge itself is at a level to include the costs of recovery i.e. Parking Eye Ltd vs Beavis (2015) UKSC 67 which is the authority for recovery of the parking charge itself and no more, since the sum £85 was held to already incorporate the costs of an automated private parking business model and the Supreme Court Judges held that a parking firm not in possession cannot plead any part of their case in damages. It is indisputable that an alleged “parking charge” penalty is a sum which the Supreme Court found is already inflated to more than comfortably cover all costs. The case provides a finding of fact by way of precedent, that the £85 (or up to a Trade Body ceiling of £100 depending on the parking firm) covers the costs of all the letters. Since 2019, many County Courts have considered claims in excess of £100 to be an abuse of process leading to them being struck out ab initio. An example, in the Caernarfon Court in VCS v Davies, case No. FTQZ4W28 on 4th September 2019, District Judge Jones-Evans stated “Upon it being recorded that District Judge Jones- Evans has over a very significant period of time warned advocates (...) in many cases of this nature before this court that their claim for £60 is unenforceable in law and is an abuse of process and is nothing more than a poor attempt to go behind the decision of the Supreme Court V Beavis which inter alia decided that a figure of £160 as a global sum claimed in this case would be a penalty and not a genuine pre-estimate of loss and therefore unenforceable in law and if the practise continued, he would treat all cases as a claim for £160 and therefore a penalty and unenforceable in law it is hereby declared (...) the claim is struck out and declared to be wholly without merit and an abuse of process.”  7.6        In Claim numbers F0DP806M and F0DP201T, Britannia vs Crosby the courts went further in a landmark judgement in November 2019 which followed several parking charge claims being struck out in the area overseen by His Honour Judge Iain Hamilton-Douglas Hughes GC, the Designated Civil Judge for Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight & Wiltshire. District Judge Taylor echoed earlier General Judgement or Orders of District Judge Grand, stating “It is ordered that the claim is struck out as an abuse of process. The claim contains a substantial charge additional to the parking charge which it is alleged the Defendant contracted to pay. This additional charge is not recoverable under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Schedule 4 nor with reference to the judgement in Parking Eye v Beavis. It is an abuse of process from the Claimant to issue a knowingly inflated claim for a addi8onal sum which it is not entitled to recover. This order has been made by the court of its own initiative without a hearing pursuant to CPR Rule 3.3(4) of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998.  7.7        The addition of costs not previously specified on signage are also in breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, Schedule 2, specifically paras 6, 10 and 14.  7.8        It is the Defendant’s position that the Claimant in this case has knowingly submitted inflated costs and thus the entire claim should be similarly struck out in accordance with Civil Procedure Rule 3.3(4).  7.9        The Defendant is of the view that the Claimant knew, or should have known, that to claim in excess of £100 for a parking charge on private lands is disallowed under the CPRs, the Beavis case, the PoFA AND THE CRA 2015, and that relief from sanctions should be refused.    In Conclusion  8.1        I believe the Claimant has got use to intimidation tactics and has got greedy. I believe the truth of the manor is the Claimant has used bullying tactics successfully for too long and is therefore assured that innocent drivers will fall into the trap of paying rather than going through the hours it takes to defend themselves. In the process, wasting the time of the Court, the time of the Defendant and everyone else who has advised the Defendant, out of sheer decency to help have a fair hearing and see justice delivered.  8.2        I am still in disbelief that I am being heard in this court, defending myself nearly 4 years after receiving a charge through my door. I have had to spend weeks’ worth of my life studying the letter of the law in order to defend myself from this ridiculous attempt at a swindle.  8.3        I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth. 
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    • honestly he/she just makes these ppc look so stupid everytime   fairplay lfi
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Is this fraud or just complicated?


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My ex is being investigated by HM Revenue and Customers regarding her relationship status. The circumstances are that she spends around 60-80% of her time at my house with the children although she is has a council house and claims full benefits as a mum of 4 children from 5-10.

 

We are not in any relationship, we both live separate lives for that aspect, when we are together we are simply for the kids, I spend no time with her without the children. Before anybody answers, I know on paper this will be fraud and I also know and can prove no wrong doing on my behalf whatsoever. I am after advice and general opinion after you bear in mind what is best my 4 children in the wider picture of life as well.

 

Quick background, lived together for 10years and had 4 kids. Never married on paper but together. Split about 4 years ago, house was in our joint names but she never worked, I always did and still do and we both agreed to sell and split evenly (only about 16k equity) . She got a council house with the kids, still doesn't work and claims full benefit. I rent a house, 4 bed, much bigger than her house and 5 mins walk from kids school, her house 2 miles from school.

 

I have the kids as often a possible, I work / travel 50-60 hours a week mon to fri so I leave the house early and sometimes return late or stay away overnight but have the kids all weekend on my own. During the Mon-Fri my ex stays sometimes (3-4 days, more over Christmas) because it is easier to get the kids to school. Whatever the reason it helps me see the kids more, I know they are better looked after at my house, always have food etc and better education / fun / space etc so it's a no-brainer for me.

 

I hate having my ex around but for the kids sake I've found a way of keeping civil and out of each others way. I also know I'm lucky to see my kids nearly every day despite being split. I also support financially when at my house, I don't directly give her money, just keep the fridge full etc, pay all the bills and rent and give the kids trip money etc. Usually running them round several nights a week to clubs and weekends and all the usual extras kids need from shoes to footballs. There is no issue about me doing my fatherly duties with respect to time and money for the children, I'm lucky to be fit healthy and able to earn enough crust to support 4 kids.

 

I would have them living permanently with me but with all 4 still at primary school they are too young to be left alone and I could not fit in my work around school without my ex doing what she does, and I see no problem in her using my 'facilities' if that is best for my children, and believe me, compared with her house I know they are safer and under better influences.

 

So what should she do?

 

The right thing by law is that I tell her she can no longer stay at my house and I will just have the kids when I can outside work, mostly at weekends. End of, that's exactly what the law says.

 

But what is best for my children? Not the law in these circumstances so I won't do that.

 

So I'm looking for alternatives to advise her of or help with reasons to prove that this is not fraudulent, it's about doing the best for the children.

 

Somebody needs to benefit from fraud for it to be called fraud. I don't, I spend more money probably when they are with me so often. She doesn't get any more money than she would if she choose not to do the best for her kids, so again the only people benefiting from this are the children and therefore are they the only ones committing fraud here?

 

Thanks!!

P

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Would be seen as fraud from what Ive read. There are many cases where there are good reasons for arranging to run a family in such and such a way for the sake of the children and I am in no doubt you are caring for your kids as best you can to see them regulary, but and the big but is from what you have stated you can easily be considered as living together. The fact you know her situation and the house used is yours could indicate you are complicit in the fraud.

 

It would be better to get the situation to one where there is no risk of the children seeing their mother go to court for fraud or you even. Have you considered getting back together but for all intense and purposes you appear to be a couple living together. If not a good move better to make it legal and keep seperate lives apart from the kids. There should be no need if you have no relationship for your ex to sleep over more than occassionally. There was a misconception with many that there is a three night rule as in if you or she at yours sleeps over no more than three nights, then that was okay, but this is not so.

 

Have you been reported by anyone for living together as a couple or under investigation? If not you need to sort this now, either become legal family or lay down the law about what you find acceptable as in you ex. If you live so near to each other she should drop them off or pick them up etc....or you when work allows, but to live as you do it is seen as fraud.

 

The house your ex is hardly using could be well used by another family needing low cost housing and she could indeed lose it if your home is the main one used. You would then be in a sticky situation as to do you really want her with you if you as you state arnt happy with it but for the kids. Dont think any action on your part would disrupt your relationship with your kids, you have rights too and can have them set by court. Protect yourself and do the right thing before it is too late and sort things out before investigated where they will come after you too. Best wishes.

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The question on the benefit forms is "are you living together as though you are married?" Whilst I accept your word at face value that the relationship is over and come to the conclusion that no you are not and your only relationship is with the children, hence I take the view that its not fraud.

 

However, benefit investigators are not likely to be so generous. The fraud that will be considered is that your wife claims and receives benefits as a single mum, whilst living with you as though you are married. The fact that she regularly stays overnight at your house, uses your house when you are not there, that you regularly stock her fridge with food, that the children go to a school local to your house, not hers etc... can all be used as evidence that you are still living together as though you are married.

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Thanks, I do agree that something needs to change, hence coming on this forum for advice even though I sound reluctant to change things.

 

I still believe I am doing nothing illegal, I haven't signed any forms or made declarations, in fact I have never claimed any benefit whatsoever in my life so I shouldn't be expected to understand those matters, however I should worry about their mum being in court or in trouble because that's not good, so I agree on that point and that alone is enough for me to change things.

 

So far she has received a letter questioning her circumstances and had a telephone interview about the matter, I suspect she has been reported by a neighbour of her house. She has been involved in some neighbour nuisance complaints against her. I saw the letter but didn't hear the call so I can't confirm what she told them but I suspect it was only a partial truth if not a lie. I think the 'none of my business' attitude towards her benefits needs to change now I've discovered what I have, a little bit of me is tempted to think like that, but again I don't want her in court.

 

Getting back together is an option attempted so many times it won't work. She does have a boyfriend that she sees regularly, but he doesn't work and spends most of his time in the pub spending my taxes so he doesn't complicate the financial situation, but makes it provable that we aren't in a relationship in terms of love etc.

 

You could argue we are in a financial relationship, but this would be the case regardless of whether she spent time at my house, and it is purely one way, I give her varying degrees of financial support to ensure the kids are looked after and capped when clearly she has too much alcohol money!

 

I agree that her house is a waste on many days, especially when there are housing shortages, but it is fully furnished and usable and half the kids stuff is there and she won't give that up and I can't make her either or make her stop claiming, even though that choice may be taken out of her hands.

 

Anyway thanks for the non-judgemental advice, here is the only place I'll admit that this is wrong however, I do feel strongly about putting morals and family above law where appropriate. I still feel torn and powerless to change some things.

 

cheers

P

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On reflection, I suspect your wife is potentially committing quite a substantial benefit fraud - possibly without realising it. You are currently paying her rent, providing her shopping and paying all household bills for her. I doubt your ex has declared this when she claimed housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support. Benefits that exist to cover the bills for people that have no other means to pay. The fact that no money changes hands does not matter, as the effect is that your ex is claiming for expenses that she does not pay.

 

My advise is to only provide support on a regular, defined cash basis. It makes it clearer, and it will promote financial independence - a factor that will help counter an argument that you are cohabiting. That and stopping your ex from staying over night.

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On reflection, I suspect your wife is potentially committing quite a substantial benefit fraud - possibly without realising it.

 

Yes and there lies the dilemma, I'm not going to shop her ever, can't make her stop what she does - except staying at my house. When I have stopped her staying for whatever reason the kids suffer whether through missing school or being exposed to people / things they shouldn't including a stabbing in her street involving one of her friends, theft, police being called out during early hours, neighbour complaints, just watch shameless for some more example etc etc, l provide for the kids mostly via goods rather than money because too much cash tends to get converted into a houseful of new friends, all drunk and some of the above events and on occasions the kids not getting into school and a phone call saying the kids have no food so I end up paying twice, once for booze and food. So in fairness I make it easy and tempting to stay it my house, the kids always beg to come here.

 

Anyway, I don't underestimate the seriousness, I did say I thought it was fraud on paper in my first post but I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't, well my kids are, but I still need to find a way to change things. Wondering if the easiest is encouraging her to just get a job, it might solve more than just the benefits problem!

 

I'm going to think things through again this week and make a change for the end of January, one way or another.

 

cheers

P

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I appreciate the dilemma you are in. There is another option that you may not have considered, but it will require some substantial bravery on your part to follow through on it.

 

From what you have said, its clear that your wife's home life is not suitable for bringing up children, and your work commitments are such that being the primary carer during the week is not practical. However, it may well be possible for you to recruit an au pair, and to take custody of the children. This would release your commitments to your wife, and she would still be able to visit during the day, or when she finds a job, at the weekends.

 

Again, the savings on rent, her bills, and the fact you would receive the child benefit would probably come close to the Au Pair's salary.

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Hi Tmsix,

 

I think it is very likely that life is about to become a lot more stressful for your ex, no matter what you do. Your ex is under investigation by benefits - just read a few other threads on here to start to understand how stressful an experience that can become. I would also suggest that the same person that reported her to benefits is just as likely to report your ex to social services. Some of what you have already said on this forum is of concern that your ex in not making suitable life choices whilst responsible for four children - and hence the risk that your children will be placed on the at risk register, or in extreme circumstances even end up in care.

 

What ever you choose in how you manage your relationship with your ex and your children, it is likely to be a rough journey ahead

 

Personally I would be preparing, in case you needed to apply to the court for custody of the children. I can understand your reluctance in this and agree its a big step and shouldn't be the first act on your part. Think of it as the plan B or plan C. Simple things like checking on the web to make sure you have parental rights (and if need be acting to get the rights now) whilst things are reasonably amicable. See here for the legal criteria, and also keeping a diary of how often the children stay the night with you, and any other contact you have with them.

 

I would then be pushing with plan A, getting a more normalised relationship with your ex. You might want to consider a request at work asking about adjusting your hours so you could take your children to school when they stay with you. that way, your ex would not need to stay the night. Ask at the school if they have a breakfast club as well. I would also suggest that you start dealing with your ex on a cash basis, but you provide the cash in smaller amounts, more often. Its quite possible she has not developed the skills to manage cash over a month at a time.Try a 3 day and a 4 day slot each week, and ask her to plan the food as shes going round the shop into actual meals. That way she should not run out of food. over time, when she shows she is managing the money ask if you can give it weekly and then see how she copes.

 

This post could go on for ever, but the goal is really to separate your and your ex's finances and lives, so the only tie you have is in organising childcare between yourselves. It may mean that you have to provide a framework for your ex to develop these skills. Its not to grind her down, but to help her develop as an independent person running her own house.

 

With regards to the benefit investigation, they may never contact you, but if they do, you will be faced with a problem. Either you lie/distort to cover for your ex in which case you become a guilty party in the fraud, you tell the truth, dumping your ex in it, or you refuse to provide any information, potentially loosing her the benefit, but not providing additional evidence for a criminal prosecution.

 

Good luck.

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thanks ptol, i've taken the first step and organised late starts at work on two days a week to take the kids to school, seriously thanks for the advice, clearly you understand the situ deeply to take the time for your reply, thanks again, you've spurred a change for the better.

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Thanks everyone above for your kinds comments and considered thoughts, you really have spurred the change I discussed.

 

In terms of re-considering the parental duties in a legal sense, I have given that thought. In a ridiculous twist of fate I have parental responsibility for two of my children and not the other two due to the date of the law change. I knew and considered all that when we first split, but as an amicable parental relationship got better it has become less of an option. Any legal or formal action is now last on my list, and I work in the legal industry, my boss is a lawyer.

 

Anyway, things have changed already, we discussed the letter and she has agreed that situation needs to change. Since my first post the kids have stayed with their mum. On Friday I'm picking up the boys for the weekend and next week I have arranged 2 late starts to take them to school without their mum staying.

 

It's good to talk, thanks to everyone who replied, I don't know any of you personally but you seem like best friends for the advice I have been given.

 

cheers all,

P

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