Marstons =(

[martonman]

Their fees are not legal, but quite simply fraudulent. The bailiff is most likely a self-employed collector working on commission only for the fees he can add on. If he doesn't add on fraudulent fees, he can't earn a living. It's a national disgrace with the whole system set up to encourage fraud and corruption. Councils, Central Government and the Bailiff firms all know this. They get away with it through people's ignorance and their intimidatory tactics - plus the fact that any council couldn't give a rat's ass once they have (for free) passed the debt onto the bailiff company to recover.

 

I suggest simply ignoring the bailiff and writing a letter or email to your council CEO requesting their proposals for a repayment plan of monies owed (less of course any bailiff fees!). You can state that you believe the bailiff in question is attempting to criminally defraud you by adding on unlawful fees and that they, the council, are vicariously liable for the actions of their appointed collectors. It's easy to obtain your council's bank payment details and to set up a standing order for a minimum amount of, say, £10 per month, whilst you await their reply.

 

A letter or email from you to the Bailiff company would state your opinion that they are attempting to defraud you and that you will be paying any monies owed (to your council) directly to your council and not to them. State that any attempt by their agent to access your property will be treated as criminal trespass and dealt with accordingly.