Bailiffs / Ross & Roberts
Bailiffs / Ross & Roberts
Ross & Roberts are a well-established bailiff company based in Northampton, England. Their registered office is located at 42/44 Henry Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4BZ. The company operates under the registration number 03365520 and is officially authorised by Bournemouth County Court to carry out bailiff duties.
As a registered bailiff company, Ross & Roberts are responsible for collecting debts on behalf of various creditors, including local authorities, government bodies, and private companies. Their role involves enforcing court orders and judgments related to unpaid debts, fines, or taxes.
Receiving a letter from Ross & Roberts can be a stressful experience, but it's important to remain calm and take appropriate action. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Read the letter carefully: Understand the nature of the debt, the amount owed, and any deadlines for payment or action.
2. Verify the debt: Ensure that the debt is indeed yours and that the amount is correct. If you have any doubts, contact Ross & Roberts to request further information or evidence of the debt.
3. Don't ignore the letter: Ignoring correspondence from bailiffs can lead to escalated enforcement action and additional fees.
4. Seek advice: Consider contacting a debt advice charity or a financial advisor to discuss your options and understand your rights.
5. Communicate with Ross & Roberts: If you're unable to pay the full amount immediately, contact them to discuss potential payment arrangements or to explain your financial situation.
Ross & Roberts may contact you for various reasons related to debt collection. Some common scenarios include:
1. Council Tax arrears: If you've fallen behind on your Council Tax payments, your local authority may instruct Ross & Roberts to collect the debt.
2. Unpaid parking fines or penalty charge notices: Local councils often use bailiff services to recover unpaid fines related to parking or traffic offences.
3. Magistrates' Court fines: If you've been fined by a Magistrates' Court and haven't paid, Ross & Roberts may be instructed to collect the outstanding amount.
4. County Court Judgments (CCJs): If a CCJ has been issued against you and you haven't paid, the creditor may use Ross & Roberts to enforce the judgment.
5. Business rates: For commercial properties, unpaid business rates may result in bailiff action.
When dealing with Ross & Roberts, it's crucial to approach the situation proactively and professionally. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
1. Be honest and transparent: Provide accurate information about your financial situation and ability to pay.
2. Keep records: Document all communications with Ross & Roberts, including dates, times, and the content of conversations or correspondence.
3. Explore payment options: If you can't pay the full amount immediately, discuss potential payment plans or arrangements with Ross & Roberts.
4. Understand your rights: Familiarise yourself with bailiff regulations and your rights as a debtor to ensure fair treatment.
5. Consider debt solutions: If you're struggling with multiple debts, you may want to explore options such as Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) or other debt management strategies.
As a debtor, you have certain rights when dealing with bailiffs like Ross & Roberts. It's important to be aware of these rights to ensure fair treatment:
1. Right to peaceful entry: Bailiffs cannot force their way into your home unless you've previously let them in and they're returning to take goods.
2. Reasonable time: Bailiffs can only visit between 6 am and 9 pm, and not on Sundays or bank holidays unless they have specific court permission.
3. Identification: Bailiffs must provide proper identification and authorisation when visiting your property.
4. Fees: There are regulations governing the fees bailiffs can charge. Make sure you understand these fees and challenge any that seem excessive or unjustified.
5. Protected goods: Certain essential items cannot be seized by bailiffs, including basic household items and tools necessary for work.
Knowing the stages of bailiff action can help you better prepare and respond to Ross & Roberts' activities. The process typically follows these steps:
1. Notice of Enforcement: This is the first formal communication from Ross & Roberts, giving you at least 7 days' notice before they visit.
2. Compliance stage: During this period, you can contact Ross & Roberts to arrange payment or dispute the debt.
3. Enforcement stage: If no resolution is reached, bailiffs may visit your property to take control of goods.
4. Sale stage: If payment is still not made, Ross & Roberts may remove and sell goods to recover the debt.
If you're in a vulnerable situation, such as dealing with mental health issues, severe financial hardship, or other challenging circumstances, it's important to inform Ross & Roberts. They have policies in place to handle vulnerable cases with additional care and consideration.
If you feel that Ross & Roberts have acted inappropriately or unfairly, you have the right to complain. Start by raising your concerns directly with the company. If you're not satisfied with their response, you can escalate your complaint to the relevant regulatory body or ombudsman service.
In some cases, it may be possible to avoid or stop bailiff action by exploring alternative solutions. These might include:
1. Negotiating directly with the original creditor
2. Applying for a Time Order to adjust payment terms
3. Seeking a Controlled Goods Agreement to pay in instalments
4. Considering debt management plans or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
It's important to understand that while Ross & Roberts' involvement itself doesn't directly affect your credit score, the underlying debt and any court judgments associated with it can have a significant impact. Resolving the debt promptly can help minimise long-term damage to your credit rating.
If Ross & Roberts have informed you of an impending visit, it's crucial to be prepared. Gather all relevant documentation, understand your rights, and if possible, try to resolve the situation before the visit occurs. If you're unable to pay or reach an agreement, ensure you know how to handle the visit professionally and within your rights.