Equita - Council Tax arrears

[linda50]

Hi guys,

 

I received a Bailiff removal letter through the door yesterday demanding payment within 24 hours for my Council Tax. There was no mention on how much was owed. I have called the number at the bottom but it just goes to voice mail so left a message. He still hasn't got back to me so I phoned the Council to find out how much i owed. They told me the amount that was passed to Equita. I asked if i could pay them direct but they said i had to pay the Bailiffs direct. I mentioned that i couldn't get through so they gave me a number to call for their head office. I phoned this number to ask how much was outstanding to be told by a very rude person that i need to contact the Bailiff direct as they don't have the amount on their system. I in turn told them how much the council had told me but they refused to acknowledge the amount. I asked them how i was supposed to pay it if I can't get through and they just said they would give him a message.

 

I am happy to pay the council direct by an online payment or automated payment line for the amount they say is outstanding but am worried about any fees and proving that I have paid the council direct.

 

Could you give me some advice please.

 

Thanks

[tomtubby]

It is simply incredible that Equita have managed to get away with sending letters to debtors that FAIL to disclose how much is owed. This frankly underhand "practice" has been going on for as long as I can remember.

 

Has the bailiff 'levied' upon any goods?

 

Do you have a car outside of your home?

[linda50]

Hi Tomtubby, thanks for getting back to me.

 

No there is no car and they have never been in my home to levy against any goods.

[i hate bailiffs]

You do not have to pay the bailiffs direct

They have given you the run around

All the more reason to be paying the council direct they can not refuse payment

 

Keep bailiffs out and keep any cars away to prevent a levy

[linda50]

If I pay the council the amount in council tax which is outstanding, what will happen about Bailiff fees? will they chase me for these even though i have no idea how much they are at present.

[i hate bailiffs]

If I pay the council the amount in council tax which is outstanding, what will happen about Bailiff fees? will they chase me for these even though i have no idea how much they are at present.

 

That is open to debate to be on the safe side it may be a good idea to pay a extra £24.50

Which is a first visit fee pay that to the council and they can pass it on or knock it off the next bill

 

There is grounds for a formal complaint to the council as bailiffs won't let you know what is outstanding

[ploddertom]

How was the letter delivered?

[linda50]

Delivered by hand - posted through the letterbox

[tomtubby]

As long as this is the first visit the legal fees are £24.50 and are due and payable. If this is the 2nd visit, then an additional fee of £18 can be applied.