Problems Paying Council Tax

[shortpaul]

Again,partly thru low income (I'm a recovering drug addict) I'm having problems paying all of my CT.

I have paid most of it but the balance ended up with Rossendales' bailiffs. They have already been round but were unable to seize goods because of their low value. Rossendales are still hanging in there though and havent yet returned my case to the council. I refuse to pay the additional £200 quid or so they have added to the bill as a result of there involvement and I will try and settle when the case is returned to the council. I am not willfully refusing to pay my CT. I want to pay my way in life. I'm just badly off.

Rossendales now want me to complete a further means test, threatening all sorts of 'legal' problems if I dont.

I want the matter returned to my local council. How much further can and will Rossendales likely go before doing so? What rights do I have to stand my ground until they hand the matter back to the council?

Could you please give me some advice?

[TWR]

Let the council do their checks, it may be in your interest & get you straight.

[Mamyalynne]

Have the Council refused to deal with you shortpaul now they have sent Rossendales Bailiff Company in?

Have you tried the CAB?

[Maydup]

I don't know but you could try ringing Citizens Advice . Not only will they be able to answer the question you but they will be able to help you with support to get back on track.they might suggest a debt relief order as a way forward for example.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/debt-solutions/debt-relief-orders/debt-relief-orders-explained/debt-relief-orders-what-you-need-to-know/

[Maydup]

Sorry I forgot to give you the helpline number for CAB.

0300 330 1313

[Peter Pedant]

None in short ( in law )

depending on the bailiffs they will demand their cut
SO the council should properly refuse any behind the scenes deal
as it would mean they have to pay the bailiff themselves (and they wont)
[ unless they are in-house bailiffs - very unlikely]

sorry to give such a crappy answer

it is a debt ( what you owe the council ) and it can be traded ( = a chose in action but that doesnt matter ) and you have no control over who trades it to whom until it is paid off. The rate at which they can add overheads is strictly limited and you can be sure that they will stick to it


debt - bad
ignoring debt - really bad

[Peter Pedant]

// Have the Council refused to deal with you shortpaul//

I think it is more likely he has ignored any letters
( they must have his address )

they act priddy quig
one neighbour hadnt paid sep and got a CCJ on oct 10th

[New Judge]

The bailiffs will not return the matter to the council unless and until they have exhausted all avenues to try to get the funds from you. The council has handed it to the debt collectors because they have been unsuccessful in obtaining payment. They are entitled to do so and you have no say in the matter.

If and when the debt collectors report back saying their attempts have been unsuccessful the council will probably refer the matter to the Magistrates’ Court. Once there you will have an opportunity to explain your means to the court who will then decide if you have been wilful or neglectful in failing to pay or if your means are insufficient for you to be able to pay.