FAQs
Here is a sample of our frequently asked questions which you may find useful
I have had a letter hand delivered by a Bailiff
Telephone the Bailiff on the number at the bottom of the letter to discuss payment of the due debt.
If the bailiff is a first call bailiff and the debt you owe is Council Tax then an arrangement over several weeks / months may be made - any arrangement is subject to our completing a walking possession agreement and this incurs you a statutory scale levy fee - however the amount you pay at this stage is cheaper than if the Enforcement Bailiffs are asked to recall to your address.
PLEASE MAKE CONTACT WITH JACOBS AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE YOUR FIRST LETTER FROM US
How can I pay the debt?
We offer a variety of payment options including
- Cash to Bailiff
- Credit Card (subject to 3% administration charge)
- Debit Card (subject of a £2 administration charge)
- Swipe Card at AllPay outlets (subject to a £2 adminstration charge) - please contact head office for a swipe card to be issued
- Giro Slips (subject to your Post Offices local charge)
- Standing Order
- BACS transfer
- CHAPS transfer
Payments should be directed through the Bailiff in Charge of your case. Alternatively you should ring head office if you are on a payment arrangement scheme or PayOnline via this website.
I dont think I owe this debt?
We are in possession of a warrant / liability order obtained by the Council through the Courts. You should pay the due amount and then contact the Council to query the liability raised.
You should not contact the Council for a payment arrangement as they have sent the debt to ourselves for collection.
I have been advised not to answer the door to the bailiff - what might happen?
The bailiff may remove your motor vehicle and sell it at auction.
Alternatively the case may be returned to the Council for them to consider further action including application for your committal to prison or to make you bankrupt - such further action will be more costly to the debtor than agreeing to deal with our first call bailiff.
Can I complain about the bailiff?
You should not complain merely in respect that the bailiff has called and requested payment of a due debt.
However if you feel we have treated you in a inappropriate manner you should put any complaint in writing to our head office. We will investigate your complaint and respond within 10 working days.
Although rare - just 44 in 2006 - complaints are analysed twice yearly and any corrective / preventative action implemented.
Debtors should not complain to our professional association unless our complaints procedure has been followed and representation made to this firm.
What form of Identification should the bailiff carry.
The Bailiff will have his County Court Certificate and Jacobs ID Card ready to show you on request.
We do NOT, by law , have to carry a copy of the warrant/liability order granted by the Magistrates for non payment of Council Tax or Business Rates.
