Bailiff help?

[Cigaro]

Hi,

I owe the council £2400 for council tax, who have passed it to a debt collection agency.

I phoned the collection agency today to offer them £100 a month, which is all I can afford - they say they want at least £240 a month over 10 months. There is no way in hell that I can pay this.

The last letter they sent was a notice that someone is coming to remove my goods. Now i know that as long as I keep my windows shut then there is no legal way that they can get into the house - but I'm worried about my bike, which is kept in the back yard.

I do use it for work (to visit customers, etc) when no van is available - does this mean they can't take it? Should I get a letter from my boss to this effect?

I don't really have anything else of value in my house.

When I phoned them they said that the bailiff will 'come round to discuss the situation' next week, and will phone me beforehand. Surely if I have offered to repay it, at a reasonable rate (£100 a month isn't that bad, is it?) then they can't seize my goods?

[Paivi]

As time may be of essence, I'd talk to the CAB for some proper info, not the BCF rant you might otherwise get.

If you own your property, I can't see why £100 wouldn't be enough, as presumably you still have to pay the current council tax on top. If you're renting, though, presumably they want you to pay off the arrears within the normal 12-month tenancy.
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My other bike's a Monster...

[Cigaro]

I don't own the place, I rent it, but I've been there for a year and a half.

Bugger it. I may just move back in with my parents to clear all my debts, and stop fucking about. It's time I got all this sorted.

[Ariel Badger]

Get really drunk and post some threats and the bailif's phone number on here.
Keith will remove them for you in the morning.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Kal]

Has it been to court? If it has not been to Court then they have no legal power to seize assets - if and when it does offer to pay the £100 a month. If you can demonstrate it is all you can sustainably afford and it is a reasonable amount they will accept that.

Oh and write to the council now offering to pay the debt at a 'sustainable level' of £100. Keep a copy of the letter and any responses you get, they may tun out to be useful.

Not sure what the deal is on goods outside your property but until there is a warrant to seize goods from a court then they cannot damage your property, which includes your locks. Lock the bike to something.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[Cigaro]

Cheers for the help everyone.

Like I say I think I'll just move out and offer them £100 a month or nothing (they won't get my new address).

It'll give me a chance to clear my other debts too and get my life straight.

Kal, unfortunately it has gone to court. Interesting fact about the locks though, cheers

[TheDonUK]

Damn, be careful though, from what i understand council tax debts are one of the few things bailiffs dont need prior access for, as far as i know if they have a court order for council tax debt they can force entry? Goodluck..

[map]

[Kal]