Marstons - HCEO

[CAA1977]

Hi There,

 

After some advice please. My wife had an outstanding debt of £165 which was sent to Marstons. It is now at £240.

 

She received a letter mid Dec stating she had 14 days to make payment or set up an arrangement. As she works in the theatre industry and it was Panto season it completely slipped her mind to pay it.

 

I have contacted Marstons today asking if I can make payment on 15th Jan (initially I asked if the debt could be split over 2 months which they refused). They have advised me that they can not stop any enforcement action until the debt is paid (even though I have asked for it to be paid on 15th Jan).

 

If it goes to enforcement then they will add a further £235 in charges which will be due as payment in full.

 

Can they do this even though I have offered to make payment next Fri?

 

Don't really want a HCEO knocking on the door

[fkofilee]

Hold on , whats the debt for?

[Bailiff Advice]

Given the amount of the debt, I am assuming that it relates to a court fine. Is this correct?

 

The £235 enforcement fee can only be charged at the time of the visit. Technically they are within their rights to pass the debt to a persoanl enforcement agent but I would argue that such an action is uneccessary given your clear intention to pay next week.

 

I appreciate that Christmas was only two weeks ago but is there any way at all that your could make payment before the 15th?

[CAA1977]

It was a fine for have an untaxed car (please don't judge, we don't normally drive around with untaxed vehicles)

[CAA1977]

I'm looking to see if we can, but cards are maxed out & 1st pay check of Jan is on 15th. Even offered to give them card details so they could take it out straight away on 15th but they were having none of it.

 

I was polite on the phone & said that I've made a clear intention to pay which the operator said would be noted on the account, but I doubt a bailiff is going to worry about that are they?

[wonkeydonkey]

Don't really want a HCEO knocking on the door

They are EA's and not HCEO's. the heading on their paperwork is designed to lull you into thinking they are acting with their other hat on, HCEO's do not deal with Court Fines. they only deal with matters relating to the High Court.