I have a compliance officer visiting on thursday .no idea why and as far as i know no reason for one . basic standard letter ,no mention of circumstances etc . my wife has known for a few weeks and hidden the letter ,she only showed me it today ,i understand why as i am a natural born panicker . im already scared to my wits end and ive only known about the letter around 2 hours max, i dont know what ive supposedly done wrong ? but its like your already guilty before they even speak to you . my wife hasen't told me for the simple reason i suffer from epilepsy and already had a heart attack this year and i panic over anything . im so nervous im shaking like a leaf . how can i try to avoid this anxiety . they recently paid us £3,500 approx as they had forgot to pay us for our oldest daughter for 2 years, this was only pointed out when my wife phoned for a completely different reason. they only paid us 1 year back and paid us until 28/08/15 as this is when our oldest daughter goes onto her 3rd year at college so benefit stops for her . im just a bag of nerves .

Cut a very long story short. Judgement against me £1700. Payable in 30 days. Incurring ground rent on flat as flat up for sale. Agreed with management company that when sold, CCJ and ground rent to be paid out of sale. sale fell through, next offers were too low to accept. Took house off the market. Now management companys sols are asking for 3k payable within 7 days. I have a funny feeling the Management Company will try and take it to up and a notch and appointment HCO to collect the debt. I have asked the MC solicitors for a payment plan but last time that happened they didnt accept it. This time i have asked for a reasonable payment plan to pay off the 3K and am more that happy to fill out a Application to Vary and Order. What can i expect for a £1700 CCJ from the HCO cost wise? Compliance 1st visit no entry all i can see is £75 charge. If I came to an arrangement with HCO would that take it to enforcement and incur additional fees? I will not be allowing entry to the HCO and work from home so in every day. Any help as happy to come to acceptable payment plan but the management company expect me to pay in full. Thanks

Dear Caggers, My friend has been claiming ESA (support group) and DLA for a few years now, after a severe stroke...... He lives with his mother (who is a pensioner) and cares for him. They had a random visit from a "multi benefit review officer" with no prior arrangement, however, my friends mother refused entry and they have to telephone to arrange a re-visit with both my friend and his mother in attendance. Obviously, to have an unannounced visit causes great anxiety. Could anyone clarify what this is for? Is it to do with ATOS medicals? My friend has never claimed carer's allowance as he thought he was not entitled to as its his mother and this is exempt......

hi Folks, looking for some advice on what to to...possibly quite an urgent one I've had a visit today from "High Court Enforcement" (HCEO?), I wasn't in and they have left a letter, saying that I owe £2300 from an uppaid CCJ. Here's the problem.....I didn't know I had a CCJ! I know what the money is for, although it's more than doubled from the original ~£950 bill from Autoglass. Ultimately my insurance should be paying this, but I suspect this may be a side issue. I moved house about 6 months ago which may well be the reason why I was never informed about the CCJ, but I'm not really wanting to pay such an extortionate amount - yes, Autoglass should be paid, but the right amount. What's my best course of action here? The letter is threatening to remove goods (not letting anyone in the house would seem to prevent this), but I can't lock the house forever. Any help or advice?

Just a quick one, this is regarding my partner's debts which are a thread elsewhere, but she's mid applying for a DRO. All her debtors bar one have put everything on hold - Jacobs are just being greedy, inconsiderate and bullying. Got a letter today saying unless a payment offer is made (have been advised by the National Debtline NOT to make an offer as Jacobs are one of many creditors) they will send out a "Debt Collecting Agent". Now the previous letter threatened court action but she has received NO court letters so presumibly it hasn't been to court yet. But if I'm right in thinking, these "Debt Collecting Agent" have no rights whatsoever (unlike Court appointed Bailiffs) .. ? Will send a letter by return if this is indeed the case telling them there is a 7 month old child and my partner is alone with her during the day and this would cause her anxiety and distress. Am I right in thinking the above is right? These pre-court "Agents" have no legal rights to collect the debt? Many thanks.

Hi Hopefully someone on here can help me. I am on ESA and have been trying to get my medical done at home. I do not have anyone to come with me and cannot for reasons of safety travel to it alone. I have written to ATOS several times and asked them to contact my doctor, including on the initial review form they sent. I have been sent three interview dates for their offices, none of which I could attend. I then wrote to the DWP and asked them to make it happen. They simply ignored my request. After the last appointment I missed I received a letter telling me it is my responsibility to obtain confirmation of needing a home visit from my doctor and if I miss another appointment then I will have to furnish proof why I couldn’t attend or my benefit may be stopped. I wrote to my Doctor asking for a letter supporting a home visit and he wrote back informing me it is the responsibility of the DWPt o fullfill their contractual obligations with him and write to him themselves for the information as otherwise there will be quite a large fee for the letter. If they write it is free. They have sent another appointment at the Medical centre. My question is this - will my benefit be stopped automatically when I can’t attend, what can I do to stop this happening and do I have the right of appeal? Is my Doctor right in his advice to me? I intend to write and cancel the appointment but would like to know what I can do to ensure they do not stop my benefit. Do I have any legal rights that are not being met? How do I proceed. I have made it clear I am more than happy to for them to examine me, but it must be done at home in order for me to be able to do this. I am completely at a loss and have no idea what I will do if they stop my money as I am too ill to claim JSA I could not look for a job and so will not fulfil their criteria.. Many thanks for your help and apologies if I ramble. Also apologies if this is covered elsewhere but I tried searching for the info and couldn't find it. Best wishes Gerry

I have been on Pension Credit for about 5 years after doing the initial assessment. Thye have been amde aware of any changes in our circumstances and this is reflected on the documentation we get from them to confirm council and housing benefits. However yesterday we had a phone call from the DWP Pension credit people stating that they wish to visit us again next week and discuss the Pension Credit payment although there has been no change in circumstances and our savings are almost zilch. Last year when the company pension rules changed, we took a lump sum payment instead of the pension paying out over the years and if so it woudl have been about £30 a month maximum. I did also get a small inhertance of about £11,000 in January, but this was used to pay of a HP and a credit card and I think this is allowed under the current rules. As far as I am aware we have always kept them up to date on any changes etc so not sure if it is normal for them to do a check every couple of years? Either way we have nothing to hide from them and have always been upfront however with so many regulations, you never know. Hopefully we have nothing to be concerned about.

Hi there, I hope it's OK to post this issue here on a new thread. So my situation is this: Today, to my surprise, I received a letter to my house from Ingeus *shudders*. I have officially been off Ingeus for a year now, after completing their 2 year "programme" by April 2014. In this letter they are telling me that "we have a duty to contact you periodically" and that they've been "unable to reach you on the contact details we currently hold" so "therefore we are writing to you today to notify you that we intend to visit you at home to obtain an update". Are you serious?! I haven't heard anything from these people for over a year and now they're going to visit my house? Can anybody tell me what rights I have because I feel that this is harassment. I actually signed off welfare early when I was with them because of their harassment (I'm back on now) but this is a step further in coming to visit my house. They've left a number to call to "let us know whether you are looking for work and if you would like support, or if you are already working". I would call this number but I feel that I shouldn't be obliged to tell them anything and that they have no right to know my business, since I'm not even on their programme. Do they expect to be on my case for the rest of my life? And can anyone here offer advice as to the best course of action to take? If they show up at my door I plan on telling them to p*ss off and will happily get the police involved if they persist. Many thanks.

Ive had a letter notifying me of a visit in just over a week, from a lady who wants to check im getting the correct housing benefit. Has anyone had a visit like this? i've never had one before, she wants to see my documents and ID. I claim housing benefit, CT reduction working tax and child tax credit.Her number and name is on the letter, including landline and mobile. The letter said its a random check.How many bank statements are they likely to need? im online for banking. Any experiences please of this type of visit?

I own a hotel and came back from shopping to find a letter had been hand delivered through the post box. It was from an Enforcement Agent from Andrew Wilson & Co addressed to a former guest who stayed at my hotel many months ago. The letter states the EO will come back to take control of goods. I rang the number on the letter and got nowhere. I was told the EO has the right to force entry if necessary to carry out the Writ of Control. How do I stop this from happening.... Its not my debt, the person they are looking for is not here. They were quite intimidating when I phoned. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank You

I am currently waiting for the Jobcentre to get back to me with a home visit appointment for a customer benefits review(ESA). I was placed into the support group around June 2014, I know this is just a standard review that is happening to everyone as I have contacted them on the phone querying why I was given this letter to attend an interview. The thing that's bugging me is that I live with my grandfather and sometimes I have bills that are due to be paid before my benefit money goes into my bank account, so that I don't get into financial difficulty my grandfather puts the money I need into my account so I can pay my bill that are outstanding then retakes the money back when my benefit payment is paid to me. Is there anything wrong with doing this? Will it be seen as extra income?

Hi, My relative applied for PIP approx. 8 months ago and finally has an appointment this month by ATOS at his home. If he is awarded any kind of award within PIP, is he entitled to backdated payment from when he first made the claim? or from the date of his assessment/home visit please?

I have today been visited by Marstons bailifffs in connection with an unpaid fine. The dilemma I have is that I had a fine which was paid in December 2014 for £70 and upon speaking to the bailiff I was told the original amount was £70. However they say it must be for a different fine. I have proof that I paid £70 in December of last year but I cannot find a matching reference from my online banking that relates to the visit from Marstons. They are now claiming £380 from an original £70 fine which I beleive are one and the same the question I have is how do go about finiding the information I need to stop this. I have 48 hours grace from Marstons before they say they will enter my home with locksmiths if neccessary to remove goods. Can anyone help?

Hi all, this is my first post. I had a compliance officer visit today to look into my claim to see if I am living as part of a couple. I would like some advice on a few things. I claim ESA (transferred from longterm IB last January) income based and get DLA middle care and lower rate mobility with that being reviewed as I have gotten worse over the last year (it was awarded for 5 years in May last year). I do not live alone, I live with my carer and this has been since 2011. My carer gets income support for looking after me and obviously carers allowance. We both get separate housing benefit and council tax reduction. we are joint tennents. At no point in our time living in the same house have we mislead any agency by claiming to be living at other addresses etc. We started living together because I was unable to continue living alone (I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and depression) as I was suicidal. My carer could no longer cope with her parents so she needed to move out. At the time there was talk of changing the housing rules to anyone under 35 only being entitled to a bedsit or shared house. We decided that better the devil you know and we moved in together (we had been friends for 7 years prior to the date we started living together. We had a similar check in September 2012, and were found to not be a couple. Bascially the compliance officer said it is up to a decision maker if we are a couple or not regardless of whether we are in fact a couple or not. He also said that we should have had a follow up check 13 weeks after the first and that if we are found to be a couple we would have had an over payment and the amount would be back dated to the date we should have been re assessed even though it is the DWP who did not arrange this. I want to know, would we be responsible for an overpayment where we have not mislead or given inaccurate or incomplete information and also if we were found to be a couple (which from what the compliance officer said is almost agiven) would that mean we would have to either move into separate houses or else move into a single bedroom property and share a room, which if we were a couple obviously wouldn't be a problem but as we are not it doesn't seem fair. I know all of this is what if at the moment but it has got me worried and as stated I suffer from depression and was hospitalised last January under section 4 of the mental health act due to being suicidal, its only just a year later and again the DWP is making me ill. Thank you for taking the time to read this and any help would be appreciated.

BCW have been chasing me re an alleged debt to Orange and I must admit I have just been ignoring them, however a few weeks ago they threatened me with a home visit so I sent the letter which I got off here to say you get not visit my home and I will only communicate in writing. Below is their reply: The stage in which we issue a letter regarding a Home Visit forms part of our automated process. This is pre-determined by Orange. A Home Visit is only proposed when every other available means of contacting you has been exhausted and an amicable resolution in this matter remains absent. We have attempted to contact you on a number of occasions prior to our letter in which we advise of our intent to arrange a Home Visit. We are therefore satisfied that we have afforded sufficient opportunity for you to contact us to discuss this account. The case you have referred to is not applicable to your circumstances. As part of the agreement that you entered into, you agreed to repay the full outstanding balance and that where necessary Orange could recover the debt by outsourcing the debt to a third party, which included by way of doorstep collection. We are entitled by law and under contract to recover monies outstanding and we are allowed to take reasonable steps in accordance with regulatory guidance to recover such monies. The OFts Guidance on Debt Collection reference to making an appointment on field visits relates to, where say, the agent has called round and advised by the customer that it was not a convenient time, then he should make another appointment. An appointment is not necessary for the initial visit. lf however, the customer is not there at the agreed time, then the agent can call again at an unscheduled time. ln relation to your request for no telephone contact I confirm that we have removed all telephone numbers held for you, from the account. Please note payment is now due therefore please contact our office on 0845 117 025g in order to discuss the repayment options available to you. A cessation of collection activity will remain on the account for a further 10 days in order to afford you sufficient time to contact us. We are a member of the Credit Services Association who can be contacted in the event of you remaining. Would appreciate some advice – shall I reply to this, just ignore them or just send them a cca?

I had a HCEO visit me 2 months ago and i paid 10% of the debt and arranged a repayment plan otherwise he said he would remove all my goods (his words). It was his first visit and i had no notice of it whatsoever, so i had to call on a family member to help me pay and i arranged a repayment plan verbally with the HCEO, he said his office would confirm this all in writing (i never received anything from anyone!) So there is still 90% of the debt outstanding and i am living scared every day that the HCEO will turn up again demanding more money (which i cannot pay) or remove all my possessions and car. I have not started to make the repayments yet, as i have never received anything in writing, nor any bank details etc., i dont know what to do. I have contacted the creditors solicitor with confirmation of my repayment solution and i havent received any reply from them other than (i will await instruction from my client) - and this was weeks ago. Im so scared. Im a single parent and i have a young son. I would appreciate any help. Thank you, Lola

Dear Folks Can anyone please advise, I am my mum's full-time carer, I am also her DWP Appointee. Today when I took mum home I found a letter in her postbox (which she is unaware about) the heading states: Notification of Performance Measurement visit for next week. I am going to have to cancel the visit as it is too short notice. Are these visits normal and random, or has someone been malicious? My mum has nothing to hide, but I've read on the internet that some of these DWP people go around the property, looking in rooms and even drawers (not the knicker type Have they got the power to go upstairs? Also my mum spends most of the day at my home as I live nearby, would they come to my house instead of hers? We have a joint bank account and both of our income based benefits go into it, there is no benefit cap as my mum receives DLA and so does my disabled son. How many bank statements should I provide for this visit? The account is in overdraft, there is a loan but under 5K to pay for my divorce, the account has never been anywhere near the 6K limit to declare and mum has nothing to hide. I can only think 1) someone has been malicious 2) it is random as they say 3) the joint bank account has been flagged up as my son has only recently been awarded DLA. I dread to think how mum will react by this visit, do you think the DWP will see me instead as I am her DWP Appointee? Any help gratefully received.

Hello, Yesterday a Performance Measurement Review Officer came to my dad's home unannounced saying they needed to complete a form with my dad who is currently in receipt of ESA. I said no letter had been sent and we were completely unaware of the visit - the Officer said they do not always send letters out before visits. The Officer seemed okay but I had to reschedule the visit as I was just about to take my dad to a hospital appointment so we have rescheduled it for another time. I did a bit of research on the internet and the Officer gave me a leaflet and it seems the visit is to pretty much to check my dad is getting the right benefit payments. However, sadly, as with everything the DWP does I am suspicious of this "random" visit and wondered if anyone has had one of these visits before? What actually happens during the visit? Is it really just a matter of them asking about your payments and checking your accounts? The leaflet says the meeting can take up to an hour or longer - which makes me think that is a long time just to check your documents etc. Has anyone had their benefits affected after they had this review? Any information or help and advice would be much appreciated! Sorry to sound paranoid but with everything the DWP has put my dad and myself through in recent years I feel I have to be! Thanks in anticipation.

Hi Just looking for a bit of advice. My husband has been on DLA for just over 2 years and in May he was asked to apply for PIP. I filled out the forms for him and sent all evidence from each consultant he sees. We received a letter in June to say all had been received and his assessment would be in 12-16 weeks. I called just before the 16 weeks and was told it would now be 26 weeks but ATOS would be coming to us. His last ATOS assessment for ESA I had to take him and we actually found the lady very nice and she included me quite a bit in the assessment. He was placed in the SG. Is a home visit usual/unusual? Should I be worried? Thanks

We have a shop which is rented to us on a 15yr lease. We've now been trading for more than 2yrs, having had the keys for around 30 months. Upon first moving in, we noticed problems with the roof, as in water leaks in several places when it rains heavily. This was reported to the Landlord several times, and so called repairs have been carried out, several times too. However, over 2yrs later, the roof still leaks, and quite frankly, it's dangerous, as it leaks into the stockroom area, causing a slippery floor, and more importantly, leaks down onto the electricity meter and fuse box, then onto the floor and causing a pool around the toilet... Not nice when you need a pee! So as the rent is paid quarterly in advance, and was due on 29th Oct - I decided, to write to the Landlord 14 days before the rent was due, and tell him that I considered his failure to repair the roof to be a breach of our contract/lease, and as such I would be withholding payment of the rent until such date as repairs were effected. I also said that I was taking this action reluctantly, but as the matter had remained unresolved for over 2 yrs, I felt that this was my only method of getting repairs carried out satisfactorily. I sent this letter by recorded delivery, and have confirmation of same. I heard nothing back from him whatsoever, and the due date for the rent came and went.. Yesterday however, I got a call from the girl in the shop, that bailiffs were in attendence, and wanted to be allowed in to seize goods (Our shop is a fully "bandit screened" off licence) She had told them that she didn't care who they were, they were not coming past the door. She passed the phone to one of them and he came outside to talk to me - He told me he was a HCEO and was here to collect the outstanding rent, plus their "charges of £486.00" I asked him if he had a Court Order, to which he answered no, so I asked if he had a High Court Writ, again, the answer was no. So I told him he wouldn't be getting anything, and I would be there shortly. I left, and telephoned the Landlord on the way, I was straight to the point with him, and asked what he was playing at, he told me that they (DCBLtd) had sent me a letter a week before at his instruction advising that if the rent remains unpaid, they would be attending. I told him (honestly) that no letter had been received. We had a discussion, and it was agreed that if I paid him the rent the following day, into his bank as per the normal method, he would commence repairs... So, when I arrived at the shop, I told the Bailiff that he needed to speak to the client who had instructed him, as it had been sorted. He went outside and did this. A few mins later he came back in and said he had advised the Landlord to phone his office, as he could only be told to discontinue by them. So we waited a further 10 mins, at this time, I was still "outside" the screens. His office then rang, and he told me "That's fine for the rent, however I need to collect our fees" Obviously, know that they were his "wages" I told him I'd not be paying anything, as he no longer had a debt to collect, and I'd not received the initial letter in any case. I then asked in what role he was attending today, and his reply? "I'm here today as a private bailiff o collect rent arrears" That to me, told me all I needed to know, he had no court order, no writ, and wasn't even acting as a HCEO on this visit. I turned around and unlocked the door to let myself into the shop, and the cheeky bugger wedged his foot firmly into it.. I phoned my Solicitor whilst I was leaning against the door, and he advised me to call the Police, which I did.. Anyway, we both stayed there for 15 mins, him on one side with his size 10 wedged in the gap, me on the other... His colleague then suggested they "give up" and he removed his foot, just as the Police arrived... I spoke to them and said I wanted them off the premises and the Police advised them of the same. He did however say, "you are still liable for our charges, so we will be back" and passed me the attached letter/form. So this morning, the rent has been paid to Landlord directly, therefore there is no longer any "debt" so, can they just chase their "charges" even though they've done nothing for them, and the compliance letter was never received? Interestingly, they have also included £114 for the "sale stage fee" Erm, for selling what exactly?? Comments anyone? Mike

Can anyone offer some help regarding a visit from HCEO yesterday evening. I have an unpaid water rates bill for £1214, then received a notice from the courts (without any warning from water company that it was going court) that a HCEO would be attending my property. They came last night when I was out and left a letter with my mother saying they want £1214 plus 8% interest and £932.14 enforcement stage fee. My mother's car was on my drive and as she had no proof with her that the car was hers they have listed this is goods taken into control. I have every intention of paying this debt (but not the fees) and am returning to work in a couple of weeks. I can offer them £50 per week to clear this debt but will definitely not be letting them into my home! Any advice as to my next actions would be appreciated. Should I contact the water company, What will happen if I deny HCEO entry but pay weekly direct to water company? Will they eventually give up and pass the debt back to water company?

Our house is unlicensed for TV Licencing, We do not break the law and watch via catch up etc. We are not registered with TV Licencing and have the usual addressed to "The Legal Occupier" which we ignore. Today had a knock at the door, TV Licencing, told him I am not answering his questions & to leave the property, he did ask for my name which I refused. He left saying "he will come back with a Court Warrant to effectively break down the door". I cannot remember his name but I do have his car registration details, I will use these to track him down & also to post the details on forums. What does concern me is that a neighbour (who is licensed) had a knock at the door from him, he showed his ID and said he is updating his database & to avoid annoying and upsetting everyone in the Hamlet (only 26 houses in the middle of North Yorkshire), can she tell him the names of those who live at a house called "XXXXXXXXX" (My House). My neighbour refused (she popped round to see us after he eventually drove off) but he did try other houses. I have spoke to most except 3 neighbours, I know at least two of them were in at the time and will catch up with them later. Can I contact the Police with the threat of breaking down the door? Stigman

Came home to a letter and notice from Marston Bailiffs. original client was thames valley magistrates court, who issued a fine to my husband from DVLA as they did not receive logbook information of new owner. This has escalated from a £40 fine to Marston claiming they have a warrant of control and will force entry for an outstanding sum of £620.00. Could someone please let me know if they are allowed to force entry for a warrant of control and how on earth did the debt reach £620? Please help as I have no idea what to do.

Hi ppl, I hope you can help or give advice in some way. I'll input some history and hope I can get it sorted. I was out of work for two years at my previous address and was able to get ctax benefit, visited CAB and they told me to offer a payment of £50 a month as I had no other income other than JSA, which was accepted by the council. Unfortunately over the months our house got repossessed, but I fought till the end thanks to help from you good folk on here and the site team. We lost the house, but I managed to get off the JSA and start my own small business (still with relatively low income), but I had made a positive break from the benefits. I informed the council that I could carry on making the payments, but they issued a liability order but still accepted the payments. This payment has continued for some time.............but unawares to me, I didn't realise a CTAX debt accrued over and above the £50.00 per month. They have now issued another liability order and told me they can no longer accept £50 as there is now an account of £7000 up to and including March 2015. I have rang them and asked where do I go from here.......and they have told me to visit CAB as I have a mortgage shortfall of £137000 ( another story) which I obviously can't pay. They said I should go down the Bankruptcy route as their amount would be included ??. Firstly, I don't want to enter the bankruptcy procedure as I now run a small business (which I've started from nothing) with a Lloyds Business Account and bankruptcy would obviously affect this....... ....and I don't want to cough up £700 to go bankrupt. I told the council if I had £700 I'd put it towards the tax to which I was told....... .." there are charities that can help you pay for bankruptcy". " Contact CAB and get back to us and we will put a hold on the liability order". In the event of having to go Bankrupt, I would rather the mortgage Company force ME to go bankrupt.... ..which brings me to my situation; I've read other threads on here that pretty much state, nothing can be done to obtain the shortfall out of me.. .perhaps you would be so kind as to advise what could/would happen in my situation. 1) We were repossessed in October 2012. 2) I am not employed, but self employed so court cannot go for attachment of earnings. (read this on forum, so don't know if true or not) 3)There is no CCJ at present against the shortfall. 4) We have no assets or savings and in rented accommodation. 5) There is no physical way of obtaining the shortfall or even offering payment plan........as I can't even afford council tax at moment. 6)I have not admitted to or acknowledged any shortfall or made any payment. I've read on here there can be various actions the lender/DCA can take.. ...either writing it off if there are no assets or monies to pay back (If I write a letter explaining this, am I admitting liability?) or they can go the CCJ route... .but again, if there is no money they simply can't have it ??. I've read a few threads that say just sit tight. THEY JUST CAN'T GET MONEY YOU HAVEN'T GOT, whether it be a shortfall or otherwise. The council obviously want me to go to CItizens Advice, but I don't want to open a can of worms with the Lender/DCA if I can sit tight. Would really appreciate any advice you could give me on this situation. I'm no longer a worrier, just want to go about it in the correct way. The dca/lender is something I can handle...but the council want me to find out about bankruptcy and get a debt officer involved. I now have all my cc's on hold and not paid a bean since 2008, so a few months and they will be statue barred. At the moment I am simply not earning enough (between my wife and myself) and cannot afford the CTAX...........but worried that they will go down the bailiff route. I had enough stress with the repossession and now have it again. Any advice as to what route I should take or what answer I should give the council would be greatly appreciated. I rang them a couple of days ago, so I'm sure they are awaiting an answer. ( I have continued to pay the £50.00 ) Thanks, Taz11

Hope I'm in the right place, I'd appreciate some help here please. Today we received a letter from our Local Authority informing us that they'll be visiting our property in a couple of weeks 'as part of their service' which they say will include an inspection of the property to make sure it is in good condition. They will also be 'asking' if they can take our photograph, which they say is part of the council's initiative to restrict fraud. They say the photo is optional, though I have just read on their website that new tenants, if they refuse to allow them to take the photo, will not be housed. We have been here for many years so we're not new tenants; our rent and CT are paid on time and up to date, the flat is kept clean and tidy, and we have never had or been the subject of any complaints or issues. The Tenancy Agreement states: 11.1 You must allow us and our contractors access to your home to: • inspect it to check the condition and any works needed • carry out works of repair, maintenance or improvement to your home. This appears to be the only mention of access. Recently we gave the LA contractors and surveyors access to the property to carry out roofing repairs, so it's not like we have anything to hide. We have already decided to refuse them permission to take our photograph. Their own leaflet on the subject states that (unnamed) external companies or agents they employ can have access to this - and we find this unacceptable. We are just wondering whether we have any legal obligation to let them in to conduct this visit, which we feel is completely unwarranted and intrusive. Many thanks.