Dettachment of earnings?

Question

About a year ago I got a bill for an unpaid council tax bill (1988 poll tax).
We come to an agreement that a direct debit would come out of my current account of £80.00 per month.
However, last November I did not pay it, very short of cash that month and took moneys out of my account before the direct debit was due.
2nd week into December I got a letter stating that a detachment of earings was issued. and they can take up to 17% of my net income(wages).
I've just had my wage slip for Jan and they have taken £453 off my wages. which is a hell of a lot more than 17%.
I am now in a position this month where all I can pay is my rent and a few other little things.
I'm basically broke, no money to pay my loan and for food, gas electric e.t.c..
I spoke to HR and they said there were two D O Earning taken out on me, one I Knew nothing about.

Can they do this?

Answer 1

effing poll tax ...do u know its supposed to b illegal for them to still ask 4 this money..go to a good lawyer and find out what he can do 4 u

Answer 2

I would question the amounts, and particularly the fact that there are 2 DOE's when you only have one bill.

You should have a certain amount of protected earnings and there may be an error somewhere along the way.

Contact HR again asking what the 2 DOE's are for and take it from there.
Good luck!

Answer 3

hello ash.get yourself to the cab.they will give you free advice and will probably be able to sort something out for you.i have a dettachment of my earning aswell for council tax i get £355 every 4 weeks and i only get took of that about £15 to £20 thats all.i now you will be paid a lot more than me but you definately shouldnt be getten that much taken of you.good luck getten sorted.definatly go to the cab tho

Answer 4

Yes, I think they can. Try Citizens Advice for some free legal help.

Answer 5

yes they seem to be above the law when it comes to getting money off you.