Rossendales boss Julie Green-Jones defends bailiff industry (From Lancashire Telegraph)

nope...that fake smile kills it again...

Bailiffs have no authority, period.

just keep in mind the fact every bailiff comes a looking for a commercial debt account, are you a debt account?

if so then julie wants a piece of your wealth and will get it

if not then julie is learning she aint operating as she thinks....

julie perhaps you might consider writing one of those tv scripts, lets say:

can't look good cuz i ain't good...
kind of thing

people are tired of cant cook won't cook, you could be onto a winner....

Well done Julie, its a shame that their are so many who refuse to pay debts and think they can get away with it.Why do people insist on knocking a successful business who employs so many!May be the people that knock you are the very ones who refuse to pay their way and just want the rest of us to bale then out.Carry on the good work and to the rest who dont agree with your business then just pay your bills easy!

People who pay council tax pay £35 more each year to subsidise those who don’t pay.

That figure doesn't add up when compared to published collection rates, bearing in mind some people are making payments and extra for arrears.

so ...stop paying council tax!

we are not under obligation to pay a private corporation any tax, our councils are now private corporations :

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=Vx5rNRNC1
5c

it is within the constitution as a means of people power to act in lawful rebellion, or, cease paying taxes until the will of the people is agian upheld.

that means our soldiers come home, we don't owe any bailouts, we are not controlled by the EU, United nations, GAAT, NAAFTA and the IMF.

may be time to remind you I should be prime minister and king until we form a constitution we all agree and place it on the throne of Britain.

Operating like legal loan sharks!! Its brilliant how she made the connection to protecting the public services!

she might have the looks but that is all she has she is preying on the vulnerable people some times get in to money difficulties and you dont want bullys knocking at your door demanding money get a new trade become a model or somert lol

chris283 says... Well Chris why dont you pay these peoples bills!After all some of these people have had the money and now want to blame someone else because they have over streched themselves and cant control their money.I know there will be genuine cases but i would bet a lot just cant be bothered.Time people took responsibility for there lifes!

I think you will find that 'Money' is one of the biggest illusions ever created.

Lifeinthemix wrote:
so ...stop paying council tax! we are not under obligation to pay a private corporation any tax, our councils are now private corporations : http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=Vx5rNRNC1 5c it is within the constitution as a means of people power to act in lawful rebellion, or, cease paying taxes until the will of the people is agian upheld. that means our soldiers come home, we don't owe any bailouts, we are not controlled by the EU, United nations, GAAT, NAAFTA and the IMF. may be time to remind you I should be prime minister and king until we form a constitution we all agree and place it on the throne of Britain.

An extremely interesting and helpful presentation bro, well done.

Phuck Mei Banjina wrote:

Lifeinthemix wrote: so ...stop paying council tax! we are not under obligation to pay a private corporation any tax, our councils are now private corporations : http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=Vx5rNRNC1 5c it is within the constitution as a means of people power to act in lawful rebellion, or, cease paying taxes until the will of the people is agian upheld. that means our soldiers come home, we don't owe any bailouts, we are not controlled by the EU, United nations, GAAT, NAAFTA and the IMF. may be time to remind you I should be prime minister and king until we form a constitution we all agree and place it on the throne of Britain.

An extremely interesting and helpful presentation bro, well done.

SO IF WE ALL STOP PAYING COUNCIL TAX WHOS GOING TO DO THE ROAD WORKS OR PAY FOR THE POLICE ETC - WHAT A STUPID COMMENT. IT'S PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT HAS CAUSED US TO BE IN THIS MESS NOT THE GOVERNMENT OR BANKS. I work for a private company (not public sector, council or the banks so I'm a neutral) advising people of their debts on what options they have. Time and time again people tell me they are not paying their council tax, or water and yet spend loads on cigarettes or a car or some other luxury that simply should come second to council tax and water. And then what happens? The baliffs turn up and people then start complaining and whinging about these debts - well if you dont want to pay council tax, then fine but go and move abroad. Why should I pay my bills, and so contribute to the local police etc etc and for people to chose to ignore it? Maybe all the people who do chose to pay the bills should get together and start knocking on doors of said council tax evaders and ask for our £35 back! Or better still why don't people just pay their bills and put these companies like Rossendales out of business?!!

Its not about 'not' wanting to pay back a debt its about trying to get past the bully boy tactics used by some debt recovery companies that is the most difficult part.

Ive been there. Ive had the harrassment of companies such as Connaught, Capquest and others chasing me for payments I could not commit too. Endless telephone calls day and night, emails all threatening me with bailiffs, losing my home etc.

I sought advice and what it comes down to is debt recovery companies HAVE NO POWER whatsoever! They cannot force they way into homes, they cannot send bailffs around UNLESS you have defaulted on a repayment and EVEN then I think they still have to go through the courts!

These companies are the lowest of the low and its about time the Government did more to regulate and monitor their activities.

Check out Consumer Credit Forums (google it) for horror stories and how to fight back against these thugs.

I’m a taxpayer and like the vast majority of people we pay because it is the law and to ensure local services are provided for the whole of the local community. It’s difficult and many people struggle. For those in severe financial hardship please contact the council or CAB at the earliest opportunity. However for those who can but will not pay then after due diligence, the bailiffs must and should enforce the court order. Without this remedy the elderly, vulnerable adults and young people, and the wider community will all suffer. It’s time the silent majority spoke out. It is also time for our elected MPs to regulate the bailiff profession for the benefit of all citizens.

council tax is means tested. people out of work or people on low income do not pay council tax! People on low wages also get working tax credits to help. But far too many people on low incomes and have to pay council tax struggle to pay it because they have a car on finance, or an iphone or spend £100 on cigarettes. Dont get me wrong, there are plenty og genuine people out there struggling, but there are many thousands of people who can pay council tax but simply refuse to do so and then complain about baliffs.

Ok, my nickname down the pub is Victor. I am of a generation that I would prefer not to be and I am cynical, very cynical.

Last time our local rag put an article about bailiffs in there were a number of comments from people that the Victor in me find hard to tolerate. You know the sort - the god given right to exist and not to contribute. The sort that believe that there should not be rules, taxes and bread for all. Sorry but that is just a load of old................
The flaws in capitalism were cruelly exposed when the bankers screwed it up for everyone but let's give it another go because communism definitely does not work. Sorry, I digress.

The woman's success is less of a concern to me but what is, is why people seem genuinely surprised when a bailiff comes to call. I have too much time on my hands, and if your read this long 'comment' then so have you but please try and indulge me.

As I said last time round the internet is a wonderful place for research, no wonder all our kids are getting higher grades than I did. If any one is an expert in Council Tax procedure please do not lambaste me, but I am sure the following would have got me a 'C' in my GCSE at least: -

Can people honestly complain when a bailiff arrives at their door?

• The Council tax bill is delivered providing three options of payment.
1. The most common – 10 monthly instalments.
2. Two equal instalments.
3. One lump sum.
Given most pay in instalments, what happens when a payment is missed, but before we do let’s consider how much help and advice is on hand from the outset?
1. If the above payment arrangements do not suit those liable are invited on their bill to contact the Council to discuss alternative arrangements.
2. The ‘Bill’ advises that further information is available including:
a. Council Tax Valuation Bands
b. Exempt Dwellings
c. Discounts
d. People with Disabilities
e. Benefits/Rebates
f. Appeals
Specifically people who fit in to sections d. and e. are advised that they are eligible for their liability to be reviewed.
• When an instalment is missed the council will send a reminder notice requiring the defaulter(s) to catch up in 7 days or they lose the right to pay monthly and the full amount outstanding will fall due.
• If an instalment is missed and subsequently paid Councils are usually quite flexible in offering a payment arrangement (rather than commencing a Liability Order). Usually allowing payment plans to the end of the financial year in view of the fact that a new Council tax bill will be due in April. For an account that is closed i.e. moved out or the debtor(s) is now on benefits so has only arrears to pay and no current liability, these payment arrangements can be more flexible and go beyond the end of the financial year, related to the person’s ability to pay rather than the end of the fiscal year.
• 14 days after the reminder and having received no contact or payment a summons is sent for the full balance plus the Council’s cost of circa £80.
• The summons will advise the defaulter(s) of a liability order hearing at a Magistrates Court at a date no sooner than 14 days from the date of the summons. During this period the debtor(s) is encouraged to contact the council to make arrangements for either full payment to stop the proceedings, or to agree a payment plan which would be secured by the Court Order.
• If no payment is received or payment plan agreed the Council is granted the Liability Order at the hearing. (This is a default summons so the attendance of the debtor(s) is not required unless they intend to challenge its issue).
• Shortly after gaining the order the Council must by law write to the debtor(s) (this is the 4th correspondence since the initial missed payment) advising that the Order is obtained, seeking financial information (which legally must be provided but in the majority of cases is not) and advising that if they do not pay in full or contact the Council within 14 days, in order to agree suitable payment arrangements, the case will be passed to the bailiffs and that as a result the debtor(s) WILL incur additional costs.
• By law the Council is required to send a copy of Schedule 5 (a schedule of bailiff fees) that informs the debtor(s) of the scale of fees.
• If this notice is not complied with after the 14 day period has elapsed the Council can legally refer the case to the bailiffs.
• If the council are aware of an individual’s circumstances why Council Tax should be exempt or discounted a bailiff firm should not be instructed. Many of the stories publicised about bailiffs attending a property should be avoided if a combination of two things happen. The householder has informed the Council about their circumstances and these have been verified and noted on the Council’s records.
• Every notice sent out by the Local Authority concerned should include further information offering help and advice those in difficulties; this can be in the body of the notice or in an accompanying leaflet.
• Whilst the Court liability order empowers the bailiff to ‘seize goods to the value of’ despite public perception in Council Tax arrears property is ‘seized’ in 1% of cases or less!
• Another misconception is that the bailiff is there to collect all the arrears in full ‘or else’; whilst full recovery is desirable, especially, as in the majority of cases, avoidance has been a matter of choice. Where there are genuine difficulties there will usually be a contractually agreed set of parameters (between the bailiff and the Council) to enable extended time to pay, which for Council Tax would typically be within 20 weeks or by the end of the Financial year (whichever is the soonest).
• When the bailiff attends to levy on goods, if the debtor(s) cannot pay in full, the Bailiff will enter into a Walking Possession Agreement, allowing the debtor(s) to retain the goods on the basis that a payment agreement is maintained. This will be accompanied by a ‘Request for Instalments’ form which again requires the debtor(s) to complete their income and expenditure.
• In extreme cases where a hardship is evidenced the Council may stipulate that there is a justification to allow for instalments of as little as £5.00 per week.

So in summary it is my humble (read that as 'cynical') the only vulnerable in our society are those that are genuinely unable to help themselves, sadly this is a growing proportion. Anybody else, including those that are capable of expressing themselves, however badly, as victims of an outdated oppressive profession do NOT fit in to that category and deserve little sympathy from the majority of honest contributors to their local infrastructure. Maybe there would be need for less cutbacks for which we ALL suffer.
The end - I don't do debates, just opinions.

Wow wave flute, you know your stuff and you definitely have too much time on your hands. Although a powerful argument it sadly relies on people having the desire and ability to read the notices that are sent to them. Sadly therein lays the problem (literally). It is far easier to consign brown envelopes to the bin unopened and back to the sofa to watch Jeremy Kyle!

Quite surprised that no comment has been made about the colourful history of the featured bailiff. He's a local, so shouldn't be too difficult to find previous mentions in the depths of the Telegraph archives - perhaps further back than the searchable archive on this site.

The writer of this article is coming in for, very much like Pip Clothier with his Exposure programme ITV, unnecessary criticism because he has not added tainted his piece. Well done. It is for the reader to decipher Mrs Green-Jones words. It is her omissions that make the report, not what she says and the good people of Accrington do not need overly reminding of the excessive disaster unscrupulous bailiffs can bring.
Nowhere is there a referral to 'innocent victims' and she concentrates on return monies to the Councils through debt collection. let us leave the first point, thus remarking on the historic inability of councils who accept the role of landlord without any of the the real responsibility. The allowed the dross tenant to usurp the rights of the ordinary decent tenant by turning perfectly good estates into dens of iniquity, slums and deprivation. It wasn't the bricks and mortar that did this but the sewage rats that the social experiment of the past 40years has evolved into. When the lazy and unkempt get a stronger voice than the hard working and industrious, then you are in trouble. You will always have problems if you do not vet your proposed MP before casting a vote. If you vote for a PARTY because your parents voted that way then you are setting evolution back, not adding to advancement.
As for victims I will say no more than Andy Miller. It could have easily been Rossendales and not Marstons who stood over his body in the Accrington shopping centre checking for a commission on a highly inflated speeding fine - a fine which was beyond the remit of any bailiff because of Mr Miller's vulnerable condition.

Mrs Green-Jones has wonderful blog. It is so highly regulated that only specific challenges to the veracity of her comments are published, and none of them have any of the damning evidence the Pip Clothier discovered or, that which the people of Accrington know as fact with bailiffs extorting money whilst attired suspiciously like policemen.

Wow you know your stuff, and you definitely have too much time on your hands. Although a powerful argument it sadly relies on people having the ability and desire to read the notices that are sent to them, sadly therein lays the problem. It is far easier to consign brown envelopes to the bin unopened and back to the couch to watch Jeremy Kyle!

howdyhow wrote:

Phuck Mei Banjina wrote:

Lifeinthemix wrote: so ...stop paying council tax! we are not under obligation to pay a private corporation any tax, our councils are now private corporations : http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=Vx5rNRNC1 5c it is within the constitution as a means of people power to act in lawful rebellion, or, cease paying taxes until the will of the people is agian upheld. that means our soldiers come home, we don't owe any bailouts, we are not controlled by the EU, United nations, GAAT, NAAFTA and the IMF. may be time to remind you I should be prime minister and king until we form a constitution we all agree and place it on the throne of Britain.

An extremely interesting and helpful presentation bro, well done.

SO IF WE ALL STOP PAYING COUNCIL TAX WHOS GOING TO DO THE ROAD WORKS OR PAY FOR THE POLICE ETC - WHAT A STUPID COMMENT. IT'S PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT HAS CAUSED US TO BE IN THIS MESS NOT THE GOVERNMENT OR BANKS. I work for a private company (not public sector, council or the banks so I'm a neutral) advising people of their debts on what options they have. Time and time again people tell me they are not paying their council tax, or water and yet spend loads on cigarettes or a car or some other luxury that simply should come second to council tax and water. And then what happens? The baliffs turn up and people then start complaining and whinging about these debts - well if you dont want to pay council tax, then fine but go and move abroad. Why should I pay my bills, and so contribute to the local police etc etc and for people to chose to ignore it? Maybe all the people who do chose to pay the bills should get together and start knocking on doors of said council tax evaders and ask for our £35 back! Or better still why don't people just pay their bills and put these companies like Rossendales out of business?!!

So you are one of the HAPPY to pay anything sir brigade i take it?
.
Not everyone who is refusing to pay council tax is on a low income and spending money on ciggies and luxuries.How do you feel about those who do not have to pay,also,the rent that is free and of course all the extras.nhs,dentist the list goes on..You know them,just arrived in this country for whatever reasons ALL FREE...
.
Now,you may not be aware of this,but,this country lives (or should) under common law rule,and,under common law WE have a right to refuse to pay extortinate amounts of OUR (well earned) money out to anyone who feels they can DEMAND whatever suits them.It is not a simple case of not paying,it is a case of not being fleeced by the local councils.
.
They hire the room for the day at court,they hire and pay the magistrate for rubber stamping the liability orders,they then send these to the vile companies above FOR FREE and then these BULLIES who cheat people out of money and lie make wages such as her in the picture.
.
I would not employ you to advise someone on any debt issue with the attitude you have.

So I take it the modelling job offer at Roughlee was not up your street then Jules ah well not to worry !!!!

She's obviously used her external beauty to get the Telegraph to delete most of the comments on here. What's wrong? Could you not handle the truth?
So.. proud of your 'business achievements' huh? If there is an afterlife and a God who judges.. you lady will be up hell's creek without a paddle after all the hell you and your cronies have dished out to those who were struggling to start with.
You can't simply tar every none payer with the same brush and say that they are bad people who simply refuse to pay. How short sighted can you get? There's LOADS of perfectly ligitimate reasons why many people can not afford to pay their Council Tax and don't you 'do gooders' try to convince the rest of us that this is inaccurate, you have all clearly had the benefit of not living a tormented hell that may have been caused by external people and issues beyond your control.
Oh but I am not entitled to a point of view, so no doubt, this will get deleted also.

aaaaaaaaaawwwwwww,al
l those poooooor chavs smoking 40 a day and can't pay their way.my heart bleeds for them.waveflute's right,in listing the steps needed to instruct a bailiff,the poor little loves have only themselves to blame.get a job,stop dropping sprogs and treating them as a cash asset,stop sponging of the rest of us ,and PAY YOUR WAY!!

as a bailiff i am sick to the back teeth of dealing with scum.when they say they cannot afford it,what they really mean is they cannot afford it and maintain their current lifestyle.

aaaaaaaaaawwwwwww,al
l those poooooor chavs smoking 40 a day and can't pay their way.my heart bleeds for them.waveflute's right,in listing the steps needed to instruct a bailiff,the poor little loves have only themselves to blame.get a job,stop dropping sprogs and treating them as a cash asset,stop sponging of the rest of us ,and PAY YOUR WAY!!

as a bailiff i am sick to the back teeth of dealing with scum.when they say they cannot afford it,what they really mean is they cannot afford it and maintain their current lifestyle.