council tax and Equita

[coops555]

Re: council tax and Equita

just been reading this thread9just joined looking for advice) i owe bham city council tax arrears, im not denying i dont owe the money just didnt have it at the time, i recieved a letter from equita , i gave the a call and the lady at equita said it is out of her hands as it has been passed over to a bailiff and i have to deal with them directly. no bailiff has of yet been to my home and hand delivered a letter, all i have recieved is two letters through the post from them, would a bailiff at this stage accept a payment plan over 4 months to pay the debt + is it a legal limit as to what they can chatge up to this point, ie so m many letters?
the letter from equita was dated 31st august, i called on 3rd september when my wages went in the bank with a view to making an immediate payment; do i have a case for not being a reasonable ammount of time between letter arriving and me contacting them to offer payment?

[WendyB]

Re: council tax and Equita

Have a read of this Bailiff Guide - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum If all you have had is two letters then the most they can charge is £42.50. Put your payment proposal to them in writing, straight away, and copy it to Bham Council also. It is not out of Equita's hands, - the bailiff works for them. You do not have to speak directly to the bailiff, in fact I would advise not talking to them by phone at all, do everything in writing. You could also speak to the Council direct and see if you can pay them direct.

Get a payment arrangement sorted asap, which will prevent any further visits and charges being added on. But once you make a payment arrangement, you must stick to it, they will default you at the slightest excuse and escalate it, so that they can add on more charges.