Jacobs and Council Tax

[Phase 1]

Quick history is that I was involved in serious road accident, thrown from car, broken bones etc. Was claiming ESA, had doctors report done bySocial, I can stand and walk 10 yards I can work.

Claim was stopped in December, now have a small part time job. Paperwork is a hassle as I can no longer concentrate.

Council helpful as always !! Now have letter from Jacobs with demand for £1309.80 . Phoned council will send new claim form but can not stop Bailiff, will have to ring them directly and make offer ? should I do this or not so confusing, had dealings with Bailiffs 20 years ago not nice people. I am also single parent with 3 children, just 1 left at school.

Thanks for any help you can give, got till 29th Thursday

[padja]

Dont ring bailiff for the moment lets parked them to one side, was you on ESA when Council tax was built up? The council may have no choice but to deal with you as I believe you may be classed as vulnerable. Just wait a bit for others advice as some may have better info regarding ESA and vulnerability

[Phase 1]

Yes was on ESA when council tax built up, have been on ESA since January 2009 until December 2012.

[brassnecked]

Yes was on ESA when council tax built up, have been on ESA since January 2009 until December 2012.

Was this Contribution based or Income based ESA, Either way you should have claimed council tax benefit, Are you single or are you with partner/chldren etc?

[Phase 1]

Will have to check, was Self employed before the accident so dont think it was income related as no proof till accounts done. I am divorced with 3 children still at home, 1 at school, did claim Council tax benefit, but as my eldest was working they did not give a lot off

[brassnecked]

Will have to check, was Self employed before the accident so dont think it was income related as no proof till accounts done. I am divorced with 3 children still at home, 1 at school, did claim Council tax benefit, but as my eldest was working they did not give a lot off

How old is the youngest? as a single parent you may come into the vulnerable category, are you left with any long term incapacity or disability as a result of the accident? This also has a bearing on vulnerability

Vulnerable situations

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Enforcement agents/agencies and creditors must recognise that they each have a role in ensuring that

the vulnerable and socially excluded are protected and that the recovery process includes procedures

agreed between the agent/agency and creditor about how such situations should be dealt with.

The appropriate use of discretion is essential in every case and no amount of guidance could cover every situation,

therefore the agent has a duty to contact the creditor and report the circumstances in situations where there is evidence of a potential cause for concern.

If necessary, the enforcement agent will advise the creditor if further action is appropriate.

The exercise of appropriate discretion is needed,

not only to protect the debtor, but also the enforcement agent who should avoid taking action which could lead to accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

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Enforcement agents must withdraw from domestic premises if the only person present is, or appears to be, under the age of 18; they can ask when the debtor will be home - if appropriate. .

Enforcement agents must withdraw without making enquiries if the only persons present are children who appear to be under the age of 12.

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Wherever possible, enforcement agents should have arrangements in place for rapidly accessing translation services when these are needed,

and provide on request information in large print or in Braille for debtors with impaired sight.

 

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Those who might be potentially vulnerable include:

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.

[Phase 1]

My youngest is 17 and yes I am a single parent have been for 12 years now.

[brassnecked]

My youngest is 17 and yes I am a single parent have been for 12 years now.

Until the youngest is 18 you could be vulnerable imho, especiaslly if you are not yet fully recovered from the accident, and you have some health issues still affecting you,

 

Others will no doubt be along,soon to help also

[Phase 1]

Ok so do I write to the council and jacobs with doctors letter of my ptsd and ask for it to be returned? I can make an offer to the council but they keep telling me to go to the bailiffs......

[brassnecked]

Ok so do I write to the council and jacobs with doctors letter of my ptsd and ask for it to be returned? I can make an offer to the council but they keep telling me to go to the bailiffs......

 

You could do write to the council and copy to the bailiffs telling them you won't deal with the bailiffs, as your condition makes their action harmful to your mental health, and request the council take it back.

 

Are you still in reciept of any benefits? as if you are, bailiffs shouldn't be involved anyway.

[Phase 1]

The benefits I now have are Child Benefit, Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits, do these qualify ?

Thanks for all your advice