Council tax error for my address- vulnerable & scared of bailiffs

[MiscellaneousAssortment]

I don't know how the council have managed it, but theyve randomly decided that THREE other people live at my address (rented tiny tiny flat), and have taken them to court for non payment of council tax from may- now, in spite of my protests.

Am terrified about bailiffs pushing their way in and taking my belongings. I'm disabled and carers answer the door and I need to tell them what to do - but they are mainly young women who am would be complete push overs.

I'm really scared, especially having read the other thread on bailiffs that started today.

Why won't the council stop it? They are happily letting me pay single persons council tax at this address since moving in in may. But in separate envelopes they've decided two other people must pay council tax here, and also my ex h who moved out of my old flat three years ago.

Every time I phone they say oh dear computer error and then nothing changes. These three people have now been taken to court and I can't seem to get anyone to stop this insanity. :(

• what do I tell my carers with regards to opening the door? Is it safe even with the chain on?

• can they take my stuff even if I have my passport to prove I'm not them? My work computer and sons toys are the only things worth taking

• what evidence can I show? Proving the absence of these people sounds hard. Proving a negative?

• what if the carers let them in when I'm out at work or at hosp appointments (v part time)? Will they just invade my home and steal my stuff?

• and finally, how can I stop the council proceeding? This is awful :(

Sorry for long babbling, that other thread has just driven home what is likely to happen to me and my little boy.

Hi, check out the citizens advice bureau website, they have a brilliant dealing with bailiffs PDF and council tax. Write a letter or an email to the council tax department. They will have a phone number or an address for a complaints department.
Don't panic, the bailiff will probably write to these people first of all. If they write, telephone them and explain that you are not any of the people listed on the court order.
If they call round keeps some utility bills like water/gas and photo Id if you have it.
You can open the door on a chain and pass them your documents, explain that you are disabled and you don't want to let them in.
They can't (and hopefully wouldn't even try) force their way in.
Please do check out that website for the cab, I don't know if they would act on your behalf with council? Worth a try though

I heard they can force their way in even if the door is on a chain?

madness! In addition to the above, have you tried unorthodox methods? Given the obvious that those other people don't live there, it would make a great story for your local paper - 'council threatens disabled woman with non-existent debt'.

might be a way of getting attention for someone to sort out a simple clerical error that is causing you so much trouble.

Also get in touch with your local councillor and copy the chief executive into all correspondence. Basically make as much noise as you can.

Do you have a copy of the tenancy agreement with only your name on?

Having worked in Council Tax it would seem that you are registered at the address and have a single occupier discount but your address is down as the forwarding address and relates to an entirely different address for the other people named on the other letters.

They are possibly hoping that you will provide a forwarding address for your ex-husband (work or parents, it doesn't have to be his actual address) hence why it has gone to your address.

I would telephone Council Tax and demand to speak to a manager, explain that you are disabled and it isn't you answering the door to the bailiffs it is your carers.

The Council clearly know you are living there but need to remove your address from their system for the other people. Provide the name of the landlord if you rent as they may be able to provide the council with a forwarding address for the previous tenants or if you bought it then you can always pass on the seller's solicitor's details and the council can send stuff via them.

No bailiff should lift any stuff belonging to you as you are not liable (unless the letter to your ex is addressed to both of you, in which case contact CAB immediately)

Bailiffs have to get permission to lift goods, I have had the bailiffs on the phone asking for said permission whilst my manager has the customer on the phone begging us not to lift. Not nice, and only done in desperate circumstances. Genuinely.