Council tax bill

[Namechanged4obviousreasons]

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.

Who is your mortgage with? Please contact them, lenders are obligated to help support customers with cost of living issues, this may give you a bit of breathing space. Please also contact one of the free debt charities such as Stepchange too. Good luck

It's also very brave of you to seek help, especially as this is a situation of your ex's making and sometimes we don't like to admit we are struggling, especially after a relationship breakdown. Please remember none of this is your fault, you are doing your best and if you are willing to ask for help there will be charities or processes in place to help.

As suggested earlier upthread pay a visit to CAB. they can do a calculation to see if you would be better off on UC and can also provide debt advice.
Does your ex see the kids at all - can he not help with childcare especially if he's not working ? I know you said he lives in a van but could he at least have them for the day or take to parents to save you some childcare costs ?

I'm so sorry I know this must be super stressful, I have been in arrears with CT in the past and it's just awful even though it got nothing like this. I'd like to help with the school uniform, is that allowed? I'll send you a private message when I figure out how 😂

Just a thought but friend of my daughters was in a similar situation and her employer had a sort of emergency loan scheme which was paid back over 12 months. Have you an H R dept?

I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry you're in this position but implore you to seek some professional advice from CAB or Stepchange. Don't fight all this alone, there is help out there. I wish you the very best going forward 💐

Also if your ex is employed, apply to CMS. Just do it, you've nothing to lose. Does he not care about them?

Please take this offer up OP!

Have you asked the Council about a applying for a Section 13a - Discretionary Hardship Award?

Has your mortgage provider signed up to the mortgage charter, where you can switch to interest only for 6 months? Potentially allowing you to clear the council tax debt.
I'm not sure whether it would be a good idea for you or not, but thought I'd mention it so you can weigh any options up.

Could your yr11 child take on most of the childcare over the holidays to save you money? They are plenty old enough to understand the bones of your situation and pitch in where possible.

Could you get your kids to share a room and take in a lodger or two? I know not ideal but with the way the housing market is people are crying out for accommodation. It would give you some breathing space for 6 months.

Alternatively could you list your income and outgoings and we might be able to come up with something by looking at it? ie do you have a phone contract that you could get rid of? What about subscriptions that could be cancelled just now? Could you do a cleaning job at weekends/evenings?

So sorry this is happening to you. Money worries make you feel so scared and backed into a corner. Hugs

Im so sorry you're going through this OP, the stress is palpable in your posts.

Could you sell your car and get a cheap one to make do? If the baliffs have listed it id probably try to sell it myself before they got their grubby hands on it. Use 2k to pay off your bill, get your kids uniform and 500 to get a cheap runaround.

Also, i know you mentioned a payday loan - but as an alternative maybe look at creditspring. They offer small 'interest free' loans - you pay a monthly sub fee of about a tenner along with your normal repayment. Ive used them in the past and would recommend them - far better than payday loans with their ridiculous %%%%.

Maybe if you could give a vague 'in the area of' location posters could advise more on local help? Totally understand if you'd prefer nor to though.

I hope things start looking up for you

OP, the kids will be fine in old uniform. Any sensible school will 'phase in' the new uniform - not expect parent to fork out for new. Please strike that off the list of things to worry about. School shoes a bit more of a problem. Can you pass down? Ask friends/family if any of their kids can pass down?

Also, get your necessities from food banks.

A few things OP

You won't be eligible for a DHP as you don't rent. Do you get or have you looked to see if you are eligible for council tax reduction. If you are you can apply for an Exceptional Hardship Payment (EHP) which would help with your council tax arrears.

Check here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/ if there's any other support you might be able to get - foodbanks, household support fund, fuel vouchers, etc.

Google to see if there are any uniform banks in your area.

Help Through Hardship https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/help-through-hardship-helpline/
can also help with foodbanks and other emergency support.

Contact a debt charity (StepChange/Citizens Advice/National Debtline) to help get a repayment plan in place and possibly a breathing space.

Bailiffs can't take things which belong to your children. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/action-your-creditor-can-take/bailiffs/what-bailiffs-can-take/check-what-bailiffs-can-take/

Also read the info about controlled goods agreements, which it sounds like you might have signed. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/action-your-creditor-can-take/bailiffs/what-bailiffs-can-take/making-a-controlled-goods-agreement/

But do make it a priority to get in touch with a debt charity.

Heya.

I would begin by finding out if your local Citizens Advice Bureau office can help you in order to start with. They might be able to write a kindly worded letter to the debt collectors on your behalf in addition. Call them up in the morning first thing to start the ball rolling literally as well. Best wishes. If you are able to, see if you can apply for some family discount schemes. They do exist. All you need to do is to find them.

I happen to know that the NHS offer parents of small children a useful healthy eating scheme nationwide. So maybe take a look at that option. Tell me what you do in terms of your food shopping. Ask your dear ex to pitch in for emergency childcare as you are now much financially worse off than before. Keep tabs on all money related paperwork in case.

Store those in a visible yet safe place. Discuss long term options with a debt advisor. Find one online and talk directly with them. Call or email. You are in my prayers. Never lose hope. Ask your local church food bank for food and moral support. They can give you a three day parcel of healthy food and refer you to agencies that may help.

There is always a way out of this. See if your neighbours can provide free childcare on a short term basis. Also speak with other mothers at your children’s schools about your family crisis. Start looking online at part time options for work. Consider your own hobbies and skills. Redo your entire curriculum vitae if you haven’t already done so. It literally pays to be friendly with the other street residents at times like this. I then would also be finding out about national free training courses and making brief summary notes on that.

Hugs. At this point anything counts really. Read career descriptions and apply directly on their websites. Care homes are always in need of trained staff these days. Practice your interview skills.