Bailiffs / County Legal Services
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Bailiffs / County Legal Services
County Legal Services are a bailiff company based at Kensington House, 3 Kensington, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 6HX. They operate under the company registration number 07658986 and are registered bailiffs authorised by Leicester County Court. As a bailiff company, County Legal Services are responsible for collecting debts on behalf of creditors, which may include local authorities, businesses, or individuals.
Receiving a letter from County Legal Services can be a stressful experience, but it's important to remain calm and take appropriate action. First, carefully read the letter to understand the nature of the debt and the amount owed. Verify that the debt is indeed yours and that the details provided are correct. If you're unsure about any aspect of the letter, contact County Legal Services directly to seek clarification.
It's crucial not to ignore the letter, as this may lead to further action being taken. Instead, consider your options for addressing the debt, which may include setting up a payment plan, disputing the debt if you believe it's incorrect, or exploring debt management solutions such as an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).
County Legal Services may contact you for various reasons related to debt collection. Common scenarios include:
1. Unpaid council tax: Local authorities often use bailiff services to collect overdue council tax payments.
2. Parking fines: If you have outstanding parking fines, County Legal Services may be instructed to collect the debt.
3. County Court Judgments (CCJs): If a CCJ has been issued against you and remains unpaid, bailiffs may be employed to enforce the judgment.
4. Business debts: Companies that owe money to creditors may face action from bailiffs like County Legal Services.
5. Personal debts: In some cases, individual creditors may use bailiff services to recover personal debts.
When dealing with County Legal Services, it's essential to approach the situation proactively and professionally. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Communicate openly: Respond to their letters or calls promptly and honestly about your financial situation.
2. Gather evidence: Collect all relevant documents related to the debt, including any correspondence with the original creditor.
3. Negotiate: If possible, try to negotiate a payment plan or settlement that works for both parties.
4. Seek advice: Consider consulting with a debt advice charity or financial advisor to understand your options fully.
5. Know your rights: Familiarise yourself with bailiff regulations to ensure County Legal Services are acting within the law.
As a debtor, you have certain rights when dealing with bailiffs like County Legal Services. These include:
1. The right to refuse entry: Bailiffs cannot force their way into your home unless they have a court order or are collecting criminal fines.
2. Protection from harassment: Bailiffs must not use threatening behaviour or excessive force.
3. Reasonable time to pay: You can request a reasonable amount of time to pay the debt or set up a payment plan.
4. Respect for vulnerable individuals: Bailiffs must take extra care when dealing with vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities or mental health issues.
5. Itemised bill: You have the right to request a detailed breakdown of the debt and any additional fees.
It's important to understand the extent of County Legal Services' powers as bailiffs. While they have certain legal rights to collect debts, there are limitations to what they can do. Bailiffs can enter your property to seize goods, but they must follow strict rules and procedures. They cannot enter your home between 9 pm and 6 am, on Sundays, or on bank holidays. Additionally, they must provide proper identification and documentation when visiting your property.
County Legal Services may be instructed to collect various types of debts. These can include:
1. Council tax arrears 2. Unpaid parking fines 3. County Court Judgments (CCJs) 4. Commercial rent arrears 5. Business rates 6. VAT debts 7. Income tax arrears 8. National Insurance contributions
Understanding the type of debt you're dealing with can help you determine the best course of action and potential solutions available to you.
When County Legal Services are involved in debt collection, additional fees may be added to your original debt. These fees are regulated by law and should be clearly explained in any correspondence you receive. Common fees include compliance fees, enforcement fees, and sale or disposal fees. It's important to review these charges carefully and query any that seem incorrect or excessive.
If you're struggling to manage your debt, there may be alternatives to dealing directly with County Legal Services. These could include:
1. Debt Management Plans (DMPs): A formal agreement between you and your creditors to pay off your debts over time.
2. Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs): A legally binding agreement with creditors to pay off debts over a set period, usually five or six years.
3. Debt Relief Orders (DROs): Suitable for those with low income and few assets, allowing debts to be written off after a year.
4. Bankruptcy: A last resort option that can provide a fresh start but has serious long-term consequences.
Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consider them carefully before making a decision.
If you feel that County Legal Services have not acted appropriately or have breached regulations, you have the right to complain. First, raise your concerns directly with County Legal Services through their formal complaints procedure. If you're not satisfied with their response, you can escalate your complaint to the relevant regulatory body, such as the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) or the Financial Ombudsman Service.
If County Legal Services inform you of an impending visit, it's important to be prepared. Ensure you have all relevant documentation ready, including proof of income, expenses, and any correspondence related to the debt. If possible, try to negotiate a payment plan or settlement before the visit. If you're vulnerable or have special circumstances, inform County Legal Services in advance. Remember, you have the right to refuse entry to bailiffs unless they have specific legal authority to enter your property.