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Original poster

Council tax bill

66 replies

Namechanged4obviousreasons · 05/08/2023 14:31

Hi all, long time poster but name changed for this one as I’m super embarrassed. I have been on the money boards for ages and have followed all the tips, all the ‘earn £10 per day boards’ but work has dried up for all of us and I’m struggling beyond belief to make ends meet.

Bit of back history….My mortgage has gone up so much and I’ve extended it once but it’s still nearly £300 p/m more than last year. I work full-time and still get some tax credits towards childcare but it doesn’t pay the full lot, so that’s an added expense. My DH left me 6 months ago and has gone to live in a van so no longer working, can’t pay towards mortgage and can’t be chased for maintenance. The house was remortgaged to pay for some essential repairs after we built a bit of equity, as we bought a wrecker (only thing we could afford), so equity in it is almost nothing now the prices have stagnated. If I went into rented, my kids would have to move schools as I couldn’t even afford a flat where we live. Eldest is going into year 11 and I can’t disrupt his schooling.

After DH left, I was struggling massively and doing anything to earn the odd pound or two, but then Council Tax was due again from April and I fell behind. I made an arrangement but then couldn’t afford it is was honestly never affordable in the first place (just robbing Peter to pay Paul). I’m not eligible for Council Tax Benefit, so no help there. I tried to negotiate again but they refused as I wouldn’t be paid up by the end of the financial year, so they sent me a summons.

I am normally so proactive but I buried my head in the sand after that as I haven’t known what to do. I got a letter from
bailiffs who have added their charges and tried to call but they wouldn’t accept my proposal. I explained I couldn’t afford any more and they didn’t care. I tried ringing the Council again and they wouldn’t help, saying it’s with the bailiffs, they can’t get involved etc.

Kids have obviously broken up for Summer, I haven’t been able to do anything with them, I’ve worked extra hours which has mostly gone on additional childcare as no family to help out. I’m ashamed to say I’ve even left my eldest in charge for half a day to save the childcare bill, which I didn’t want to do and have been worried sick about an accident happening.

This overtime gave me another £100 to offer to bailiffs, so I called again. They said they wouldn’t accept unless they came to my property to set it up. Stupidly (after reading other forums), I let them in. They then wouldn’t agree to my proposal and have now listed all my household goods to be sold if I don’t pay a minimum of £350 within 2 weeks and then more than I can afford every month. I’m absolutely terrified and can’t sleep when the kids are in bed. I’ve not stopped crying since they left and felt like driving away and not coming back. I’m at my wits end.

I’ve registered for more online jobs to try and earn a bit more but it’s making pennies. I’m going to be £150 short and I know they are going to take our tv and belongings which scares the hell out of me. My kids haven’t been anywhere other than the park all Summer, my eldest has friends going to cinema etc as they’re all older and I’ve had to say no to everything.

All 3 need new school shoes for September and my youngest two are at a school which has changed uniform this year so I can’t even reuse stuff there. I literally have nothing to even pay for second hand items. I don’t know why I posted really but I don’t have anyone to talk to and I’m so scared and lonely.

It is hard because my job is demanding and I’m having to put on a brave face everyday and I’m worried I will get sick and miss a day as no sick pay. I just feel like I can’t keep going. My kids are brilliant but haven’t done anything nice in so long and I feel like it is the worst Summer ever. I haven’t had chance to even get over my marriage breakdown or take a breath.

OP posts:
StrongTea · 05/08/2023 14:36

Can you get help from a debt company? Would they be able to negotiate for you? Really sorry you are in this position, hope things improve.

Bromptotoo · 05/08/2023 14:41

Have the Bailiffs visited you at your home?

Check your rights and make sure you understand what Bailiffs can and cannot do. Citizens Advice website is a start point:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/action-your-creditor-can-take/bailiffs/

Do you have other debts? HAve you gone through income and outgoings so you can negotiate with the bailiffs from a position of authority?

I hate dealing with them, and I'm a professional not a person in debt. Want to wash my hands afterwards...

You mention tax credits. Have you looked at the possibility of whether you may be better off on Universal Credit? Since they upped the Work Allowance and knocked the earnings taper down a lot of people are. Try one of the online calculators:
https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

If you want to talk to somebody who knows UC try Help to Claim on 0800 144 8 444.

stayclosetoyourself · 05/08/2023 14:41

Oh no that sounds terrible poor you. Can the bank loan you enough to pay the bailiffs and council tax ?
I think others will know better. Can you sell and downsize ??

MrsMoastyToasty · 05/08/2023 14:45

Have you claimed Single adult discount on your council tax? It's usually 25% discount. It might be worth speaking to a debt charity (don't use any agency that charges an admin fee) or CAB.

ivykaty44 · 05/08/2023 14:55

as above have you notified council tax that its only one adult living in the property as this reduces your tax by 25%

are you paying the council tax to the council now? - the remaining years tax will still be due after the court summons - are you keeping unto date with that?

You can refuse to open the door and not let them in and pretend to be out.

You can start paying the special arrangement that the council set - using the bar code on a paper bill they sent you at the time, eventually if you don't pay the bailiff but are paying the bill (regardless of whether it will be paid in the year, that can be sorted in anywise) the tax needs to be paid over any other debt as its the only debt you can be sent a committal to prison

Are you claiming all the benefits you are entitled?

is your ex name at the top of the bill as well as yours? if so give them his address - he is just as liable as you

Original poster
Namechanged4obviousreasons · 05/08/2023 15:15

Yes, I’m getting the 25% discount but I’m trying to keep up with my mortgage increase, even after extending the term to the maximum, I couldn’t keep up with the CT as well. They have therefore summonsed me for the whole year and want it paid before the year is out but now with all the costs added.

Bailiffs have been in my home as they said they needed to do this before they could negotiate, but then they wouldn’t accept what I can afford. I showed them my income and outgoings so they know I’m being truthful. I tried to call the Council to see if they would force them to accept it and they won’t get involved.

I’ve checked the difference in Tax Credits and UC but won’t be better off and I can’t afford any disruptions to payments as I have childcare to pay for. If I fall behind on that, I’m stuffed.

I will look into debt help but wasn’t sure if they could help with priority debts.

I have a small credit card debt which I have fallen behind on, due to my ex leaving and I can’t get credit elsewhere due to affordability. Can’t even get my bank to give me an overdraft. I was looking at a payday loan but I’m scared of making things even worse.

I just feel like the worlds worst mum. I’ve become paranoid since bailiffs came in that they will just return again unannounced and so I’m constantly telling kids to lock the door, for my eldest not to go out etc. I feel like I’m keeping us all prisoner.

I’m worried that my eldest is here along whilst I work and if they come back unannounced, he will be terrified. I don’t want to tell him everything though and have him worry too. This is not for children to worry about, is it?

I have been awake all night worrying then had tears for the kids this morning because their friend is going on holiday and we were also meant to be going but had to cancel after DH left. They don’t understand the situation and it’s not their fault but I feel so guilty. They’ve asked about cinema, bowling, camping, my eldest wanted to go for pizza with a friend and it’s been no to everything! Then when I’m home, I don’t have any time for them because I’m constantly checking sites to try and make a few extra pounds. I’ve been snappy with them and I hate that. Even had to tell youngest I couldn’t buy stuff for baking today as that’s what we used to do when it rained!

I’m sorry for being a misery, I just can’t see a way out. My electric is constantly in and out of emergency credit and is only being topped up at all by me working survey sites.

OP posts:
Original poster
Namechanged4obviousreasons · 05/08/2023 15:22

ivykaty44 · 05/08/2023 14:55

as above have you notified council tax that its only one adult living in the property as this reduces your tax by 25%

are you paying the council tax to the council now? - the remaining years tax will still be due after the court summons - are you keeping unto date with that?

You can refuse to open the door and not let them in and pretend to be out.

You can start paying the special arrangement that the council set - using the bar code on a paper bill they sent you at the time, eventually if you don't pay the bailiff but are paying the bill (regardless of whether it will be paid in the year, that can be sorted in anywise) the tax needs to be paid over any other debt as its the only debt you can be sent a committal to prison

Are you claiming all the benefits you are entitled?

is your ex name at the top of the bill as well as yours? if so give them his address - he is just as liable as you

There isn’t any special arrangement with the Council as I couldn’t keep up with it and defaulted. That’s what caused the summons. Since then, they won’t accept any payments from me and said I have to deal directly with the bailiffs. If I did pay anything to them, they said it will go to bailiff fees first and they’re racking up now they’ve added fees for possession of my goods.

The bailiffs are my worry as they’re adamant that they can’t accept what I propose and if I don’t pay, they’re coming to take my stuff. We don’t have much anyway but the kids won’t even have a tv. How do I explain where it’s all gone? I don’t know what to do with my eldest in case they turn up whilst I’m at work and I can’t take time off.

OP posts:
StrongTea · 05/08/2023 15:27

Could you get a food parcel? That would give you some “cash” if you don’t have to buy food. Olio app? It’s so easy to get behind when something like this happens.

caringcarer · 05/08/2023 15:32

I'm so sorry life is so tough for you OP. Are you claiming everything you can UC, child benefit, council tax discount. I think councils have a hardship fund. Please ring them to enquire. Is there a food bank near to you? If yes just go. Tell them what you told us. They will give you food/toiletries and that will save you some money. If your eldest child is going into Year 11 I'd let them help you out with half a day's childcare. Get a chain to go on door and tell all children it must be kept on at all times. Don't let the bailiffs into the house.

lovepets · 05/08/2023 15:36

Hi. I've been where you are, though fortunately a friend forced me to get help before the bailiffs came.
Please contact a debt management company like CAP, StepChange or National Debtline. They deal with your creditors and will take the worry from you.
Maybe do some junk modelling instead of baking with your little one; use your recycling.
Sending you love and best wishes; it will get better

stayclosetoyourself · 05/08/2023 15:38

Can you put the house in the market and downsize?

SparklingPinkCat · 05/08/2023 15:40

Sadly Council Tax is what's classed as a priority bill and in effect should be paid as a priority alongside your mortgage. It sounds like you're sinking and my heart goes out to you. Sad to hear your husband has abandoned all his family to go live in a van, sounds like he just cannot cope with life at the moment and lots would empathise with how hard life is for everyone right now. You can do this without him.

You must prioritise paying your mortgage or you lose your home and future security and as the BOE base rate will go up further, you need to prepare for that.

Re: the council tax bailiffs ... they are court appointed, so as you've let them in, you're in a bad way there. They cannot legally enforce entry, break in etc. but if they manage to manipulate you in to letting them in, which they've done, they have all the cards in their hands. How much are they demanding? And how are you doing for food?

Try not to worry about how the children are coping. They've got their mum and a roof over their heads, missing out on trips and stuff is a temporary blip in their life, they will forget.

One thing bailiffs have the power to do is not collect if they can see there is NO WAY you can pay the bill. If I was in your shoes, I'd set it all out ready to show them when they call back, which they will. A mother and her children will pull on their heart strings if you are genuine, they can spot fakes and people who don't want to pay and can, they just refuse - they don't help those people. You're different. It's gone so far now and you are a step away from them seizing goods to sell at auction. Are your goods worth their time? Anything that no longer needs to stay in your house and could find a temporary home until things are sorted, I'd do that today‼️

Collect all you pay out with evidence and also evidence of your earnings. Let them see how you cannot pay as you just don't have it. They'll listen and walk away without stripping your home of what little you have. It's not worth their while if the goods they can collect will not even cover their costs. Ensure that is the case 🥰

An arrestment of earnings is the most likely outcome if no goods worth seizing are seized. They enforce your employer to take up to 20% of your salary in repayment of monies owed. That's the best outcome for you. Going forward pay your mortgage first, energy bill second and thirdly, council tax, then food. The rest can whistle until you're in a better place.

Try not to lose your home and ensure you're ready 😉 for when the bailiffs return. They are human with families and struggles themselves. Tap into their humanity, you CAN do it. Stay strong and know that if I knew who you were I'd send you a Tesco order so you could bake with your lovely children, stay strong xx

Original poster
Namechanged4obviousreasons · 05/08/2023 15:40

caringcarer · 05/08/2023 15:32

I'm so sorry life is so tough for you OP. Are you claiming everything you can UC, child benefit, council tax discount. I think councils have a hardship fund. Please ring them to enquire. Is there a food bank near to you? If yes just go. Tell them what you told us. They will give you food/toiletries and that will save you some money. If your eldest child is going into Year 11 I'd let them help you out with half a day's childcare. Get a chain to go on door and tell all children it must be kept on at all times. Don't let the bailiffs into the house.

Thank you, I will look into a food bank. I tried the Olio app but there’s nothing much around us, apart from bread and I’d have to get in the car to fetch it, so it doesn’t work out any cheaper for 1/2 loaves. I currently walk to our local Aldi for food, but all of that has been cut right back too.

I didn’t really know anything about bailiffs and Council Tax debt before all this but after reading up, I now know that letting them in was a huge mistake as they can come back unannounced and just break in. This is what terrifies me the most as my eldest is home alone a lot of the time.

I feel like it’s all never ending. My middle child’s birthday is at the end of the month and she’s made a list which I know I can’t afford. It’s only baking things and cheap stuff, but it’s just another thing to feel crap about. It wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t the Summer holidays but it’s hard to not feel bad for them.

OP posts:
ChristmasCrumpet · 05/08/2023 15:42

Ok, what can you sell?

Kids clothes?
Books?
Kitchen stuff you never use?
Vases/decorative bits?
Kids toys?
Your clothes/shoes?

We had a big clear out several months back and simply because it was tipping it down and forecast to for several days, what I would usually charity shop, I photographed and put on FB for sale.

Things that sold well...

Photo frames
Pyrex and cooking dishes
Kids clothes
Plant pots
Cookbooks
Candles and holders
Kids toys
Garden tools
Old tech, old mobiles, routers
Trainers

stayclosetoyourself · 05/08/2023 15:46

Wish I could help more. Sorry OP. Stupid question but can a family member loan anything??

Original poster
Namechanged4obviousreasons · 05/08/2023 15:49

SparklingPinkCat · 05/08/2023 15:40

Sadly Council Tax is what's classed as a priority bill and in effect should be paid as a priority alongside your mortgage. It sounds like you're sinking and my heart goes out to you. Sad to hear your husband has abandoned all his family to go live in a van, sounds like he just cannot cope with life at the moment and lots would empathise with how hard life is for everyone right now. You can do this without him.

You must prioritise paying your mortgage or you lose your home and future security and as the BOE base rate will go up further, you need to prepare for that.

Re: the council tax bailiffs ... they are court appointed, so as you've let them in, you're in a bad way there. They cannot legally enforce entry, break in etc. but if they manage to manipulate you in to letting them in, which they've done, they have all the cards in their hands. How much are they demanding? And how are you doing for food?

Try not to worry about how the children are coping. They've got their mum and a roof over their heads, missing out on trips and stuff is a temporary blip in their life, they will forget.

One thing bailiffs have the power to do is not collect if they can see there is NO WAY you can pay the bill. If I was in your shoes, I'd set it all out ready to show them when they call back, which they will. A mother and her children will pull on their heart strings if you are genuine, they can spot fakes and people who don't want to pay and can, they just refuse - they don't help those people. You're different. It's gone so far now and you are a step away from them seizing goods to sell at auction. Are your goods worth their time? Anything that no longer needs to stay in your house and could find a temporary home until things are sorted, I'd do that today‼️

Collect all you pay out with evidence and also evidence of your earnings. Let them see how you cannot pay as you just don't have it. They'll listen and walk away without stripping your home of what little you have. It's not worth their while if the goods they can collect will not even cover their costs. Ensure that is the case 🥰

An arrestment of earnings is the most likely outcome if no goods worth seizing are seized. They enforce your employer to take up to 20% of your salary in repayment of monies owed. That's the best outcome for you. Going forward pay your mortgage first, energy bill second and thirdly, council tax, then food. The rest can whistle until you're in a better place.

Try not to lose your home and ensure you're ready 😉 for when the bailiffs return. They are human with families and struggles themselves. Tap into their humanity, you CAN do it. Stay strong and know that if I knew who you were I'd send you a Tesco order so you could bake with your lovely children, stay strong xx

Thank you so much for your reply.

I showed the bailiffs bank statements and payslips when they came but he was a horrible man and kept talking over me. We don’t have a lot in the house. My daughter has a laptop which was out, they’ve listed my televisions (x 2), bikes including the kids, an old petrol mower which I need and some other small bits but nothing that will be worth much at auction.

It wasn’t like I was avoiding paying as I said I could afford £150 per month but as I’m so far behind on this years bill, he said he can only accept £350 in two weeks and then £250 per month after that. They won’t allow me to pay it beyond when the next bill is due in April 24.

He mentioned them taking it from my pay (I couldn’t remember the name of it) but can’t afford it that way either. I wouldn’t be able to afford food if that was the case. I also have no idea what to do about school uniform. I keep thinking that’s not my priority right now but kids are back to school in a few weeks and youngest two need a full uniform and all need new shoes. I can’t even afford to buy second hand, otherwise I wouldn’t have the money I’ve proposed for bailiffs. It just seems never ending!

I appreciate all the replies though and the support. I have no one to talk to in real life and it’s been so hard having it all in my head.

OP posts:
MrsMoastyToasty · 05/08/2023 15:51

Is DH on the mortgage? If he is it might be worth reminding him that if you can't pay then he's jointly and severally liable to pay. If he doesn't pay too , then his credit rating is as fucked as much as yours.

Original poster
Namechanged4obviousreasons · 05/08/2023 15:57

MrsMoastyToasty · 05/08/2023 15:51

Is DH on the mortgage? If he is it might be worth reminding him that if you can't pay then he's jointly and severally liable to pay. If he doesn't pay too , then his credit rating is as fucked as much as yours.

It is and I told him this when I last spoke to him. His reply was ‘Who cares, I’m living in a van. Do you seriously think I need credit?’ So, it’s left to me. I’d sell if it was either worth something or if renting would be cheaper but it would cause massive upheaval when they kids are already a mess after dad walked out and after estate agent fees, solicitors etc, I’d probably end up owing them!

I know it’s not always dads that walk out but it makes me so mad that one person can just disappear and leave someone they claimed to love for years with their kids. My ex has some mental health issues and hasn’t been coping well for a while but that’s no excuse. I would NEVER have done that to him or my kids.

OP posts:
SparklingPinkCat · 05/08/2023 15:59

Ok, thanks for your response. He's a horrible man deliberately, to intimidate and frighten you into paying, but remember they cannot get blood out of a stone. Stick to your guns, strength that you have deep inside you here is what you need to tap into.

Stand up to both him and the situation, knowing that they will not take your goods. I know they won't from what you've said you've got for him to take. Have faith and trust in the system as far as it goes. Court appointed bailiffs have power, but only to take what it is worth taking.

The arrestment of earnings order will go ahead if seizing goods to sell at auction isn't fruitful. You won't be able to do anything about that, nor will your employer be able to refuse to make those deductions. You can plead with the court to reduce the percentage of moneys taken. The usual amount is up to 20%. Work out what that would be on your salary.

There are schemes in place to help with the funding of school uniforms. Start researching and apply. Being proactive ensures you are in charge of your situation, not those pesky bailiffs 🥰

Xx

ChristmasCrumpet · 05/08/2023 16:04

Also, contact Step change, a debt charity

Tippexy · 05/08/2023 16:09

Could your eldest get a weekend job and put the money towards the household? That’s what I’d be doing.

stayclosetoyourself · 05/08/2023 16:15

My children are adults but I still sub them as they are not yet financially stable and are lone parents.
Anyone can help you like parents?

imapterodactyl · 05/08/2023 16:19

Oh OP, I've been where you are and I remember the awful constant anxiety. I'm so sorry.

I contacted stepchange after a horrible bailiff visited. They recommended breathing space which stops creditors from contacting me for 60 days to get myself into a better situation. I was told by the bailiff that it didn't cover them but they didn't come back. Somehow after lots of begging by phone and email I was allowed to set up a repayment plan which was not really affordable but was better than losing my car. It might be worth a look. Alternatively CAB are meant to be good but I haven't used them. Definitely ring someone for advice though. Which company is it chasing you?

I'm sure they aren't allowed to take anything belonging to the kids though so that would be worth looking at, also I dont think they can enter if only a minor is at home which might be a small relief.

Original poster
Namechanged4obviousreasons · 05/08/2023 16:41

They have listed my car, but I thought that would be exempt as I use it for work. I read that they can’t take a vehicle that you need for work (which I do) but the bailiff said that is only if it’s a banger. Mine is worth about £2500 now, which I still thought was a banger but apparently not, so I don’t know if they can take it or not. It’s listed on the possession form.

I use it for not only getting to work and getting kids to two schools, but also for appointments as part of my work. I literally cannot do my job without it.

Unfortunately, my parents aren’t alive so I haven’t anyone to ask for help. I have one sister but we don’t get on and I haven’t seen her in 15 years. The kids grandparents on DH’s side don’t have anything to do with the kids (or their son) and are also penniless so no chance of help.

It’s times like this when you realise how alone you really are and it’s hard being responsible for 3 other lives when you feel like you need someone to care for you.

I have had an email from the headmaster at my youngest twos school and apart from offering me a couple of pairs of trousers, they don’t have any white blouses donated and the cardigans/jumpers are all new logo this year so they don’t have anything. They gave me a link for assistance with uniform but it’s means tested and as usual, I don’t qualify with working full time. I can’t find any school shoes locally that are in my kids sizes and are cheap second hand. I’d have to pay postage, which bumps it up again.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 05/08/2023 16:55

Does your school have a Pastoral Support Officer

They help families in need as such so can help with uniform and hardship funds

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