The cost of living is surging dramatically, with many people really feeling the pinch. Millions of households are now facing fuel poverty and other financial pressures because of the 30-year-high cost of living crisis.
Millions are now paying an extra hundreds of pounds more for their electricity and gas supplies. For those on default tariffs who pay by direct debit, the cap increased by £693 - from £1,277 to £1,971, reports NorthWalesLive. National Insurance payments have also risen reducing the take-home pay of most workers. From April 6, employees, businesses and the self-employed will pay an extra 1.25p in the pound.
Many financially-challenged citizens may feel that they have no choice but to take out loans, increase the use of credit cards or even be head further into an overdraft with no means of paying it off. While there are government and local authority schemes available to help, not getting into debt is easier said than done when food prices and petrol prices have also risen since the beginning of the year.
In the 12 months to February, prices climbed 6.2 per cent on average and pay increases are failing to keep pace with inflation. This could lead to debts spiralling out of control resulting in demands threatening bailiff action. It can be extremely distressing to have a bailiff at the door, but anyone affected does have rights.
Here's what you need to know:
What is a bailiff?
There are several different kinds of bailiffs:
- Certificated Enforcement Agents
- High Court Enforcement Officers
- County Court and Family Court Bailiffs
- Civilian Enforcement Officers
Bailiffs have the legal power to remove items and sell them to pay a debt. They must give at least seven days notice of their first visit to give debtors the chance to make any outstanding payments.
What are my rights?
According to the UK government website, debtors usually do not have to open a door to a bailiff or let them in. Bailiffs cannot enter a property by force and there are rules they have to follow if someone does let them in:
- They should not enter the property if only children under 16 or vulnerable people are present
- They should not enter a property if it is between 9pm and 6am
- They cannot enter a property through anything except the door
Bailiffs cannot take essential items such as clothes, a cooker or a fridge nor can they take something belonging to someone else who lives at the property. Citizen’s Advice recommends not letting a bailiff into a property because it’s always better to try to sort out your debt by keeping them outside and speaking through the door or over the phone.
What are the bailiffs' rights?
Although they cannot intimidate a debtor to let them in or enter through a window, bailiffs are allowed to enter through any door that's left open. They are allowed to force their way into a property to collect unpaid criminal fines, Income Tax or Stamp Duty, but only as a last resort.
If you let a bailiff into your home but do not pay them they may take some of your belongings to sell. Usually these are only luxury items such as TVs and game consoles. If you decide not to let a bailiff in they may take your belongings from outside the property such as your car or motorbike, however they cannot take a car that’s on a hire purchase agreement.
What can I do if I'm already in debt?
Don't panic - a lot of people end up in a situation where debts get out of control, and the important thing is to try and get a hold of it before the bailiffs are called in. If you think a bailiff might visit you to collect debts, the process can be halted by paying any monies owed.
Here are some useful links and phone numbers so you can get advice about how to pay your debt:
MoneyHelper 0800 138 7777
Citizens Advice 0800 2040 4420
National Debtline 0808 808 4000
StepChange Debt Charity 0800 138 1111
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