To think that this lack of flexibility is just ridiculous?

[Sweetwatermelons]

Have a bit of a predicament. There is a lot going on here at the moment.

Seven years ago my dad died very suddenly, and he left a flat he bought to my brother and I. In that time, to be fair we’ve never had any problems letting it out as it’s a lovely property in a good location. However, we did get a bit stung a while ago and somehow ended up owing money to the local council.

I rang them and gave them my address and asked for a form to be sent to allow us arrangement to pay, as I was about to leave my job.

Unfortunately they sent it to the flat instead. I forgot about it (which I recognise is my error.) We then got contact from bailiffs who absolutely wouldn’t discuss any flexibility. They decided on a minimum amount p/m and it’s pretty high for me at the moment. And I genuinely don’t know how I’m going to afford it this month (not a begging thread.)

I am due back to work next month. AIBU to think more flexibility should be granted? And my main question is where I stand legally.

I had something similar but reopened the case at court (I could have written a book on that one) as they hadn’t been in touch with me (letters to previous addresses) I was able to prove they did have the right address and it was their fault and the debt was cancelled.

However you’ve accepted liability for this by starting to pay. I’d be looking at ways of getting a deed of variation?? Maybe see about taking it back to court. Or getting a loan to spread it over a longer period

They are utterly ruthless with council tax.

I haven’t said that at all @FFSFFSFFS

What I have said is that I can’t understand why there isn’t a little more flexibility, especially given current circumstances.

CC is maxed out. Sorry, I’m not trying to be unhelpful, I really can’t afford it (it’s not a begging thread )

The current balance is just under £815. I could pay that off in one month when I start my job. That’s why I’m mildly frustrated.

They really are @EvilPea, my dad had no end of trouble with them once. Sorry you had this shit too

Well you did say that if you went to court you would win...

There is flexibility in the system but you left it too late to use it.

If you were vulnerable and lived in the property I'd be quite sympathetic and would expect the council to work with you.

But this is a property that you have for profit. You've failed to manage your obligations as a property owner, missed opportunities to work out flexible arrangements and the council is seeking enforcement of the debt.

I can't imagine if your tenant stopped paying you'd be too keen to be flexible.

This is the reality of being a landlord.

@FFSFFSFFS
Why are you so angry about someone else’s mistakes in life. How do they affect you!

I imagine you’d be a the front of the crowd for hangings back in the day

That’s all a good summary of my personal failings but not very helpful in the current circumstances! If you aren’t a teacher I’d look into training as one though.

But tbh if my tenant said actually I’m really sorry but I haven’t worked for a number of months, I’m starting a new job next month, can we make an arrangement to pay what I owe then, I would be.

Not just because I’m a decent human but actually the law stipulates it. Procedures can and should be followed and I don’t get why they apparently don’t apply here.

Is the property currently let? Are you making any sort of money on the property? Is there a mortgage on it?

Sorry to hear of your situation but I think having a payment plan is being a bit flexible- not being flexible would be asking full amount in 7 days.

Yeah it’s let but that money is what my brother lives on so I don’t actually have much to do with it.

If your tenant said they would pay the next month and then didn't and it went to court and they still said 'next month' you wouldn't be so friendly.

Why is your brother taking all the profit if you own it jointly?

Love how people who don’t know me from Adam apparently know exactly what I’d do in a totally different situation.

Because of a long complicated irrelevant situation

Okay so your credit card is max'd out but could you increase your credit limit? I was able to increase mine, by thousands, just by phoning them.

Where is your brother in all this?

@Sweetwatermelons isn’t your brother paying his half if you jointly own the property?

sorry just seen your comment about your brother not working

@Sweetwatermelons

I’ve answered it *@FamishedAtAnAirport*

Being totally fair here anyway it was me who fucked up. And brother isn’t working right now (long story.)

But you said he doesn’t want to sell the flat.

If he isn’t working he has no choice, surely? Or is he ok about claiming benefits (I’m assuming he is doing so to live) while owning a property with no mortgage on it?

I get that it might be a good story but my brother is only relevant to this insofar as that’s why I can’t sell it and that’s why I’m not getting any money from it. People are interested and I understand that but it seriously is complicated and boring and is a backstory of family sagas spanning back to about 2002. It really isn’t important.

I’m just wondering what if anything I can do about this situation. I have accepted I was not organised and that I didn’t receive correspondence I should have. This wasn’t all my fault but I should have chased it and forgot.

However I have paid up till now but at the moment I can’t. Any help with that would be appreciated.

If you just want to tell me I’m useless, then fair enough. But I am actually suffering quite badly with depression as it is so do best that in mind.

@FawnFrenchieMum

Join a group called beat the banks and bailiffs on Facebook, they will give you factual advice related specifically relating to council tax and bailiffs.

I’m pretty sure that they can’t turn down and offer inline with income and outcomes but they will give you template letters to send. Council Tax can apply for an attachment of earnings and that takes a specific percentage.

Another option is to speak to the council tax debt department and see if they can recall the debt from the debt collectors and arrange a payment plan with you directly.

This group are brilliant! Definitely worth posting on there

If you do have Granny's ring, as mentioned above, either sell it or pawn it to make the money you need until you have been paid.

Thank you. I’ll look them up now

That was a joke. I’m afraid I don’t.

Have you checked the dates of the charge is correct and that any relevant discounts have been applied correctly?
If the charge is correct you need to pay as the costs will keep being added if bailiffs are involved.

The only correspondence I have is from the bailiffs.