It is important to keep a record of all communication with the council and the bailiff. You should keep a copy of all letters, emails, and phone calls. You should also take note of the date and time of the communication and the name of the person you spoke to.
If you have agreed to a payment plan, it is important to make payments on time. If you miss a payment, the bailiff may add additional fees and charges to the outstanding debt, which can make it harder to pay. If you are unable to make a payment, you should contact the bailiff or the council as soon as possible to explain your situation.
If you are struggling to deal with council tax bailiffs or are facing other financial difficulties, you should seek professional advice. You can contact a debt advice charity, such as Citizens Advice or StepChange, for free and confidential advice. They can help you negotiate with the bailiff, manage your finances, and provide you with legal advice.
What can council tax bailiffs do?
Council tax bailiffs have the power to take control of your goods and belongings to sell them at auction to recover the debt. They can also add additional fees and charges to the outstanding debt, which can make it harder to pay.
Here are some of the actions that council tax bailiffs can take:
Council tax bailiffs can visit your property to take control of your goods and belongings. They must give you notice before the first visit, and they cannot enter your home without your permission, except in specific circumstances.
Council tax bailiffs can take control of your goods and belongings to sell them at auction to recover the debt. They can take control of goods that are not exempt, such as luxury items or vehicles. They cannot take control of items that belong to someone else or are essential for your work or daily life.
If you refuse to allow the bailiff entry to your property, they can apply for a warrant of entry. This allows them to force entry into your home and take control of your goods.
Council tax bailiffs can add additional fees and charges to the outstanding debt. They can add fees for the notice of enforcement, the first visit, and any subsequent visits. They can also add fees for taking control of your goods and for selling them at auction.
- Seek a deduction from your earnings
If you are employed, council tax bailiffs can seek a deduction from your earnings to recover the debt. They can apply to your employer for a deduction from your salary.
Conclusion
Dealing with council tax bailiffs can be stressful and intimidating, but it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. Council tax bailiffs have the power to take control of your goods and belongings to recover the outstanding debt, but they must follow certain rules and regulations.
As a council tax debtor, you have certain rights when dealing with council tax bailiffs. You have the right to notice, the right to make a payment arrangement, the right to refuse entry, the right to ask for proof of identity, and the right to complain.
If you are facing financial difficulties or are struggling to deal with council tax bailiffs, you should seek professional advice. Debt advice charities can help you negotiate with the bailiff, manage your finances, and provide you with legal advice.
Remember, it is essential to take prompt action and deal with council tax arrears before the situation escalates. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, and the bailiff may take further action, such as applying for a warrant of entry or seeking a deduction from your earnings.
