Attachment of earnings, how much can they take?

[carinas]

Hi,

I have two attachment of earnings orders for council tax which were put through court at the same time and total about £1500 together. Today is the first time I have been paid & the amount that has been taken from my wages is £600ish leaving me just over £1000 to live on for the month. My rent is £685 so as you can see I will be very short this month. I have done some research online via HMRC & cab website & they talk about a protected payment amount but I can't find exact details of amounts, I need to know if they can actually take this amount in one go or if my employer has made a mistake. Also, I was never asked to fill on a statement o earnings but is this just because it was for council tax? I also have another attachment of earnings which takes around £40 per month. Can anyone help me please?

I haven't collected my wage slip yet to confirm exact amounts.

[Bombaymix]

Not sure which area you are in but looking at the following website (for Northampton Council) gives you a rough idea.

 

Looks like its all to do with earnings.

 

Looks like they're taking 17% of your wage for each AEO.

 

Not 100% sure but that would appear round about correct.

 

It states that the employer will write to you shortly after deducting the monies to explain what has been taken.

 

I know it's of little consolation but paying at this rate will see the orders serviced fully by the end of October.

 

Doubt there's anything you can do.

 

I'm sure those with more knowledge will be along shortly

 

http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200028/council_tax/996/council_tax_attachment_of_earnings

[carinas]

Ok, thanks for taking the time to reply Bombaymix. They did send a letter showing the bracket I would be in & I was expe ring to pay back about £300 per month, I didn't realise because there are two orders they would run at the same time. Is put me in a real position this month with paying my house rent. I'm going to contact step change for some help. Thanks.

 

Not sure which area you are in but looking at the following website (for Northampton Council) gives you a rough idea.

 

Looks like its all to do with earnings.

 

Looks like they're taking 17% of your wage for each AEO.

 

Not 100% sure but that would appear round about correct.

 

It states that the employer will write to you shortly after deducting the monies to explain what has been taken.

 

I know it's of little consolation but paying at this rate will see the orders serviced fully by the end of October.

 

Doubt there's anything you can do.

 

I'm sure those with more knowledge will be along shortly

 

http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200028/council_tax/996/council_tax_attachment_of_earnings

[ploddertom]

I'll put this in the Bailiff Forum as there are some there who know about these.

[tomtubby]

There are so many councils that are now taking the route of attachment of earnings. It is really worrying.

 

They know the employer details from the complete Financial Statment that they ask you to complete.

 

Self employed people of course would not be subject to AEO.

[lookinforinfo]

I have included a pamphlet from Citizens Advice on what is involved which may help-http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/debt_w/debt_action_your_creditor_can_take_e/creditor_takes_money_from_your_wages.htm

 

In addition, I would contact the Council to see why you have not received any notifications of any intended Court proceedings etc. I suspect that they may still be writing to your previous address.

 

Please let us know the outcome when you speak to the Council as you might be able to have the Attachments Order quashed if they did get the address wrong.

Edited August 30, 2013 by lookinforinfo

[tomtubby]

The link above is an excellent one as it provides a "calculator tool" which will work out the amount of deductions from the information that is provided online.

 

http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200028/council_tax/996/council_tax_attachment_of_earnings