Marston Group Fees - correct?

[Mudge]

Hi

 

We received a CCJ for an unpaid bill from South East Water.

 

I came home today to find a hand delivered letter from a bailiff from Marstons

The fees in the leter are as follows:

Judgement Debt:£559.74

Judgement Costs:£147.00

Execution Costs:£111.75

Officers Fees:294.46

 

Total Levy:£1112.95

 

This was all on prescribed form No55.

I spoke to the Bailiff on the letter and he said that the judgement had been transferred to the High Court.

No goods were levied on this visit.

When I asked about fees he said I would have to speak to the office.

He didn't have his Bailiff number when I asked but I've looked him up and it looks like he is a certified bailiff.

 

Are these fees correct? Nothing like kicking a man when his down

[National Debtline]

Hi Mudge

 

It's nigh on impossible to gauge whether the fees are correct without a full breakdown of what they have been added for, but they certainly sound on the high side to us. Marston may have already added on costs for things they hope to do (such as entering and levying) but you would not be liable for such fees unless the actions themselves have been performed. We would strongly recommend that you speak to one of our advisers - we pop in and out of these forums but our lines are open until 9pm on 0808 808 4000.

 

In the meantime there is a guide to High Court enforcement officer fees (albeit not very customer-friendly) at

 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/400/schedule/3/made

 

Regards

 

National Debtline

[padja]

Not sure about fees, but please stay off the phone to bailiff they will make all sorts of 'threats and lies' I'm sure others will help with the fees and about payment etc.

[wonkeydonkey]

Not what you want to hear but..........................it sounds as if you were aware of the claim by S.E.Water but never took any action, I can only assume (as you do not say otherwise) you received the claim pack from the Court when notified of the action and again I can only assume you did not file a defense/counterclaim or attend the hearing....if that gets 3 yes's then you have no grounds to set aside the CCJ.

 

This is a High Court Writ of Fi' Fa' and the debt is £800 + the fees you give are IMO very very reasonable for High Court Enforcement (read around and you will see where they run into several thousand £s). It is not often anyone will hear me say this but... if I was in your shoes I would beg, borrow or steal the amount being asked, get it paid, breathe a huge sigh of relief and consider myself the exceptionally lucky.

 

If of course you cannot do as I would, then you will without doubt end up with the norm,,eg: fees akin to telephone numbers. You can try to make an offer to repayments but again be prepared to the fees...you could, if you can show hardship apply to the Court for a variation order to the huge repayments they will undoubtedly ask from you this is form N245 and if you are receiving benefits eg. tax credits you will need form ex 160 to apply for remission to Court fees.

 

While this is going on the bailiff might well levy on your car (if you have one) and that will take you to an application for a stay of execution.

 

Sorry I can't paint a happier picture>

 

 

 

WD