Did your partner stop paying the rent because he was in financial hardship or did he use the money for something else? If the former, it would be unreasonable to find you intentionally homeless if your household could not afford to live there...I recommend you seek specialist advice...you will get a solicitor's help free if you are claiming Income Support, income based JSA or income related ESA. If social services have refused to help without carrying out any assessment of your childrens' needs i.e.'sorry we can't help' over a telephone call, then I suggest you seek legal advice to challenge them. Social services must carry out an assessment of a 'child in need' if, without their help, the health or development of a child is likely to be affected. When the assessment has been carried out SS will decide what services to provide. While it's true SS have the power to rehouse you with your children by giving you financial assistance, it is not a legal duty and more likely they will offer to take your children into voluntary care. Again, if you are feel nervous about challenging decisions, seek legal/specialist advice - lists of local solicitors are held by housing charities...citizenB has given you a good place to start.

Bailiffs and Debt Collection agencies must take into account your financial situation when asking for payment. You have not said you’re not going to pay, but your circumstances at the moment mean doing so would cause financial hardship to you and your children. From your original post, it appears your situation may be "vulnerable" according to the National Standards for Enforcement Agents because of your debts and income. There are other threads on this website which give helpful advice. But your appointment with CAB on Monday is a good first step. They should be able to guide you through dealing with the private bailiff, perhaps even (i) halting action temporarily and (ii) asking the magistrates court to consider your financial situation. It is ultimately the Courts who dictate how the fine should be collected - not the bailiffs or private collection agencies. You have to remember, decision makers in the Courts are human too! NOTE: I mentioned in my original post the use of Form N244. It was actually Form N245 to vary or suspend a warrant. You can get a copy of this form from the HM Court Service website and is best completed with a free advice organisation.

1) Firstly - apologies on the images - but I can't post links until I've posted at least 20 messages. 2) I think you should be aware there are differences in the powers between private collection agencies (of which Marston Group appears to be one) and court appointed (and salaried) bailiffs. See link below for some useful info; 3) Some collection agents may use tricks of the trade such as intimidating people through aggressive behaviour, and lying about the extent of their powers to trick people into letting them into their homes. You MUST NOT let them into your home if you can help it . Keep doors and windows locked (they might try turning handles and climbing through windows) until the fine has been validated by CAB and the Court is made aware of your financial ituation. " """"What can a bailiff take? Bailiffs can't take essentials such as clothing, bedding, cookers, fridges, most furniture and the 'tools of your trade' (for example, a computer you use for work). They can take non-essential items such as your television, and also possessions outside your home (for example, your car or garden equipment)." [source: ] The collection agency cannot usually seize: Items which belong to someone else - but they'll say prove it's not yours! Rented goods - again they'll say prove it's not yours...! Goods subject to hire purchase or conditional sale agreements Fixtures and fittings Regards

Hello Losroy, There are 3 things I think you need to consider; 1) Firstly, the following link may help; 2) Secondly, it is the Courts chasing their fine. The bailiffs are merely one option they may use. Any negotiations on how to pay the fine will in most cases need to be directed to the Courts - perhaps by completing a Financial Statement and Form N244. See link below for further advice; 3) It may be in your interests to seek urgent advice & help from your local CAB. They will usually be able to guide you through the correct steps in dealing with your priority debts (and fines). They may also be able to speak to the private bailiffs (Marston Group) on you behalf asking them to halt their action temporarily. Regards