New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

[Kati]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

HI I have just been reading the above post by Julie 305. I would like to point out that everything suggested is not really that easy.
I am dealing with Equita i posted a few weeks ago regarding the same thing. and I have read your downloads regarding Enforcement standards and the Code of good practice for local councils. is there anyone who has actually been successful in getting their council to take back the debt. today i went to my council and quoted both these practices cried and pleaded with them to either recall the debt or at the very least call off Equita to stop them sending letters 22 in all i have tried my very best to get them to accept my offer even entered into DMP and the standing order I have set up with my first payment already paid to show my willingness to try and resolve this problem to no avail.
All i got was its gone to the Bailiffs there's nothing we can do, and the reason why they wont take back the debt is because of how much its cost them to get to the stage where i am at and where most non payers end up with a debt collection company

they want their money back before the end of the financial year which they know is impossible. i pointed out that a loan of £3000 which is what i owe over 36 months would be £94 a month i was offering a little more. i could declare bankrupt and they would get nothing or i could end up claiming benefits and then they would only be paying themselves back at 3 or 4 pounds a week.

I know I've made a big error in not paying i also regret not getting in touch with them sooner, but i have really tried everything, I have spoken to CAB who were amazing the lady even tried phoning the council who said they need my authorisation to speak to her i sent an email because I thought it would it quicker but no she was told it would be a least 3/5 days before they got the email so what's the point.

There's always a point [MENTION=49940]swantop[/MENTION] - your council should be putting a stop to bailiff action while they deal with your complaints/appeal. If they are not doing this, you need to contact the CEO of your council. I'm more than willing to draft letters for you if you need any help (just send me a PM with all the details)!

I got my 'debt' action stopped by the council (although I was appealing the whole debt, not just the LO/bailiffs) as you can see here: http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...ame-on-letters then here: http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. So it can work ... you just have to keep on at the council and bailiffs while you get it sorted :tinysmile_twink_t2:

I know it can be a long, difficult process, but I promise you it will get better!!

Kati x

[swantop]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Kati i wish i had your faith, I have just spent all afternoon trying to contact Equita to find out if they have received my payment 0844 numbers are not cheap as i was talking to CAB this morning a big white truck stopped outside, my heart nearly popped. i dont want to keeping feeling like this and to have a council official sitting there picking her manicured nails with a deadpan expression on her face just didnt sit very well

[Kati]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

[MENTION=49940]swantop[/MENTION] - I'm sorry you are seeing the bad side of this ... and I do understand how you feel

If you need to talk, you can always PM me ... I will be there to offer advice whenever you need it!!

Kati x

[ploddertom]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Kati i wish i had your faith, I have just spent all afternoon trying to contact Equita to find out if they have received my payment 0844 numbers are not cheap as i was talking to CAB this morning a big white truck stopped outside, my heart nearly popped. i dont want to keeping feeling like this and to have a council official sitting there picking her manicured nails with a deadpan expression on her face just didnt sit very well

Which Council are you with? Who do you speak to at the Council?

[swantop]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Well its just an update from my thread and a message to Kati And before your site clean up. This morning at 7.50 i bit the bullet and rang the enforcement officer from Equita who has i think agreed to my payment plan, his words were how much have you offered and paid i told him, and he said ok just keep paying that and if you can pay any more do so, i was'nt cocky or flippant i just explained my circumstances very calmly. so today my heart can stay in my chest and i can open my front door and windows and let some fresh air into my flat and thank you Kati for helping me to stay focused.

[julia305]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Hi sorry for delay my pc has been playing up. Swantop you must be ever so relieved.

[Kati]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Hi sorry for delay my pc has been playing up

So .... how's it going?? :tinysmile_grin_t:

[julia305]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Hi Kati I've heard nothing. From anyone! But no bailiffs which is a result. I'm just thinking about taking swantop's advice and ringing them.

[Kati]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Hi Kati I've heard nothing. From anyone! But no bailiffs which is a result. I'm just thinking about taking swantop's advice and ringing them.

I wouldn't advise ringing them (unless you can record the call :tinysmile_twink_t2 - maybe an email if you want to find out what's happening?? At least you'd be able to prove you're trying to contact them!!

Kati x

[julia305]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Yeah good point. I'll just do a follow on from earlier emails. I'm gonna be making a payment in 2 weeks when I get paid as well.

[swantop]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Julia i agree with kati, don't phone the enforcement officer until you have made a payment, which you can only get their account details from Equita,You wont get any response from Equita from your emails I ve sent them 6 and requested a call back with no response and as far as the council are concerned screaming is easier!

[Guest]

Re: New member - Council tax arrears Equitas

Julia-From re-reading your posts, it looks like you haven't actually sent in a formal complaint.

I would now do so immediately. Address it to the CEO of Redbridge council and head it "Formal Complaint". Advise the CEO that this letter should be considered stage 1 of the councils complaints procedure. Outline your issues regarding dates etc as mentioned throughout this post. Also advise how you have sent numerous letters & emails to both the council and Equita regarding this matter but to date, nobody has afforded you the courtesy of a reply. Advise that you wish to enter into an affordable repayment plan regarding the debt and that you are mindful of the need to avoid further needless enforcement costs. (if you have a figure in mind that you can comfortably afford weekly/monthly, offer just under that in your letter) Ask that enforcement action be suspended whilst your complaint and offer is being considered.

You will definitely receive a response from the above.