I owe a smallish sum for council tax. The council have guessed a sum that is totally outrageous and although I have contacted them in the past, for the last few months there hasnt been any contact from them.
I now have a letter from Charles Anderson (Sheriff Officer) saying a bailiff was at my door and will be back with a locksmith.
There is the option of contacting them to sort a repayment scheme but my problem is I am on a benefit and can't really afford to pay them back a decent amount. I don't own them what they say I do but no one is listening.
What can I do? Can they really break in? Please offer any advice.
2007-03-20 13:40:43 · 10 answers · asked by Dark Angel Rogue 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
This happens all the time. Its a well told story. Dont panic.
1. Ring them. Offer them a totally stupid amount peading the fact that you cant afford any more cos your on benefits. Eg. £2 a week.
If you make an offer to pay and show willingness to clear the debt, they cant legally do anything but accept.
2. Ring the council and request a total break down sheet.
3. make an opointment with the Citizans advise buerau. they are BRILLIANT and will do everything for you to help sort it.
4. Remember. dont panic. Follow these steps and it'll be sorted within the week.
Good luck mate ;)
2007-03-20 13:47:46 · answer #1 · answered by trickyrick32 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local Citizen Advice, also again an emergency appointment with your local council offices and explain the situation, i am sure that they can enter your home, as long as they secure it afterwards, but if you do have many belongs of value, ie pc/.dvd player etc, you can always say they belong to friends/parents/siblings etc, or if they are on Hp, they can not legally take as it is not paid it is not yours to take...
Try and make sure you are in on the next visit and anything of value has been removed, as i know the baliffs can wipe you out, unless you have kids, there are certain things they can not take, such as cooker/washer/etc...
Hope this helps my friend, good luck.....
2007-03-20 20:50:23 · answer #2 · answered by AngeleyesOddette... 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Citizens Advice Bureau or other Money Advice agency!!! Straight away! You have no time to bury your head in the sand - this takes priority!
You need to provide evidence as to why you do not owe this money.
Make them an offer - £2 per week, anything!
I thought they came to take goods away when you owe money for council tax? Not to repossess your home?!?!?!?! You definitely need to go and see CAB and take with you all the paperwork you have regarding this as well as details of all your incomings and outgoings.
2007-03-20 20:57:32 · answer #3 · answered by Take me to Venice 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can & will break in and take all your possessions, leaving only childrens beds etc, Contact Citizens Advice or see a solicitor urgently. Find one to give you legal aid. The first 1/2 is free anyway.
2007-03-20 20:44:51 · answer #4 · answered by jet-set 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact Citisens Advice ASAP they will contact Andersons and help you sort things out. Take along all your relevent
Letters if you can
2007-03-20 20:58:53 · answer #5 · answered by El Lobo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had sheriff officers at my door for 2300 pounds of council tax and although they said they could break into my house was advised they couldn't but repayment IT useless mine still want half paid up front or they;l sell my goods what do i do now
2007-03-20 20:48:27 · answer #6 · answered by sassy 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
check this site out thoroughly.
there is a lot of info on it as to what baliffs can and cannot do .
it`s a real eye opener when you know your rights !
http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=03_harassment
2007-03-20 20:50:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
run for the hills
2007-03-20 20:44:26 · answer #8 · answered by dane 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
hey......go to citizens advice...there will be one nearby you...
2007-03-20 20:44:16 · answer #9 · answered by amri 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a job and pay your debts.
2007-03-20 20:45:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋