What to Do When a Bailiff Comes Knocking: Essential Advice for UK

If you live in the UK, it's possible that one day you might find a bailiff knocking at your door. This can be a very stressful experience, particularly if you're not sure what to do. In this article, we'll take a look at what you should do if a bailiff comes knocking, particularly in relation to council tax debts and CCJs.

Bailiffs can be instructed by a range of different companies in the UK, including Marston Holdings, DCBL, Cabot Financial, DLC, P&J, Hilton Baird, Rossendales, and many others. These companies are usually appointed by creditors or councils to recover unpaid debts.

If you receive a letter from a bailiff, it's important to check which company they're from. You can do this by checking the letterhead or by asking the bailiff directly. Knowing which company the bailiff is from can help you to understand your rights and what actions you can take to stop the bailiff's action.

It's important to note that bailiffs must follow certain rules and regulations when collecting debts. They must act fairly and legally at all times, and they must not use intimidation or force to gain entry to your property. If you feel that a bailiff has acted unfairly or illegally, you can make a complaint to the bailiff company or to the relevant regulatory body.

Council Tax Debts and Bailiffs

Council tax is a tax that local councils charge to fund local services. If you don't pay your council tax, your local council may send bailiffs to your property to collect the debt. It's important to note that bailiffs can only be instructed to collect council tax debts once the council has obtained a liability order from the court.

If you receive a letter from a bailiff saying that they've been instructed to collect council tax arrears, it's important to act quickly. You can stop bailiffs from taking further action by paying the debt in full or by setting up a repayment plan with the council. You can also apply to the court to suspend the liability order and stop the bailiff action, but you will need to act quickly.

CCJs and Bailiffs

If you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you, the creditor may apply to the court to send bailiffs to your property to recover the debt. Once the bailiffs have been instructed, they will send you a letter notifying you of their intention to visit.

If you receive a letter from bailiffs saying that they're coming to your property to recover a debt, it's important to act quickly. You can stop the bailiffs from taking further action by paying the debt in full or by setting up a repayment plan with the creditor.

Stopping Bailiff Action

If you're struggling to pay a debt and a bailiff has been instructed to recover it, there are certain actions you can take to stop the bailiff action. The following are some of the steps you can take:

Pay the debt in full: If you can afford to, paying the debt in full will stop the bailiff action.

Set up a repayment plan: You can contact the creditor or council and set up a repayment plan. This will allow you to pay off the debt in installments.

Apply to the court: If you believe that the bailiff action is unfair or unjust, you can apply to the court to stop the bailiff action.

Make a complaint: If you believe that the bailiff has acted unfairly or illegally, you can make a complaint to the bailiff company or to the relevant regulatory body.

Seek debt advice: If you're struggling to pay the debt, you can seek advice from an Acme credit consultant. It may be able to help you negotiate with the creditor or council.