How do I keep the bailiff off my doorstep?

Question

I have payed my council tax, what more do they want?

Answer 1

When (IF) they arrive - show them the proof.

Answer 2

A bailiff calling in respect of council tax has NO right of entry so don't invite him in. If he tries to distrain on goods and the bill is clear, then he is breaking the law and you must tell him that. Are you absolutely sure that the council tax is paid though? Sine the bailiff is acting under the instruction of the local council, then ring the councils enforcement department and tell them to cancel the bailiff ...... You say you paid your council tax .. to the bailiff or the council? Perhaps the bailiff has no idea ..... get your affairs in order and the threat will go away.

Answer 3

Have you spoken to Revenue Services at your Council offices? Have they given you a receipt for the monies paid? You should keep this as proof.

If you live in England, as the law stands at the moment, no matter what the bailiff says, you can refuse him entry. He will then try to make an assessment of the goods in your house through the windows and arrange to visit again later. If you are not in on the second visit he can force entry.

He will try to charge you a visiting fee for the privilege of being harassed by him. If he leaves you an invoice, take it to the Council Offices and let them know, quietly and calmly, that they sent a bailiff to you in error and should therefore pay his charges.

Go to the Citizens Advice Bureau and take advantage of any free legal advice they have to offer. They also have debt councillors and can help you with a payment plan. You then advise all your creditors of the plan and keep up the payments. Your creditors will try to reject the payment plan and demand more money, but by law if you are offering a reasonable payment in relation to your income, they can't take you court.

One last thing. Are you entitled to Council Tax Benefit? So many are and don't claim. It can't hurt to apply.

Answer 4

Talk to the council, and ask them to call the bailiffs off, which they will do if you have paid your bill.

If your still paying, and the debt collection company won't accept a monthly offer that you can afford, again phone the council and they should be able to sort it for you.

Answer 5

I used to be a 'debt collector' and without a court order a bailiff can only enter through an open 'source', this be a door, window or whatever, so long as they do not 'force' entry.

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 6

Move to Scotland - warrent sales are against the law here. Council tax would probably be less (as long as you live outside the major cities) as well.

Answer 7

show them the proof you have that you paid the council tax.in scotlland warrant sales are banned.a debt collection firm has no legal powers, only sherrif officers.i suggest you remove any items of value from your home and into safekeeping in case they force an entry into your home.

Answer 8

A really vicious dog. Sensible answer. Answer your creditors make efforts to pay if you are in the UK go to citizens advice they will help you deal with debt problems

Answer 9

Whatever else you owe, anything on HP loans etc.If You do not pay up they will take it to the equivalent value in goods ie Tv's etc from your house.

Answer 10

Answer the door and ask. Have the proof ready to show then, and ask what else they want.

Answer 11

put a electric fence round your house,build a watchtower...recruit a few of the local nazis....get a few rottweilers...and i reckon you be ok