Philips - Magistrates Court Fine (FPN)

[veevee]

Hi, I am writing to ask for advice on behalf of a friend of mine who has landed himself in hot water.

 

Person was issued with Fixed Penalty Notice / Magistrates Court Fine, paid some of the balance, but due to an error (payment sent at post office, receipt lost as purse got lost/stolen, courts have no record of payment received), case has now been referred to bailiff.

 

What was a £45 fine is now £345 as bailiff pushed a notice of distress form through the door making a levy on the car.

 

Whilst researching, I found this on Philips' website:

 

HMCTS new fee structure from 1st January 2012

 

Financial Distress Warrant - Administrative Fee {for all administrative activity associated with the service i.e. tracing}

£85

 

Financial Distress Warrant - Attendance Fee {to cover all visits made and actions taken recoverable on 1st visit}

£215

 

As these add up to £300 it looks as though these are the fees that have been charged. No payment has been to sent to the bailiff yet and as there is no proof that a the payment was sent to the court, my friend is willing to accept this money as lost.

 

However, being unemployed and having young children in his household (one of whom is disabled) he simply cannot afford to pay this amount upfront as being demanded by the bailiff letters.

 

What is the best action to take at this stage? Pay £45 to the court (online this time!) or set up a payment plan and let the slimeballs have their money?

 

Hope to get this sorted ASAP so thought this was the best place to post, *fingers crossed*