A DETERMINED dad who battled a bailiff bill and won, has finally received an apology from Rossendale Council after taking the matter to the ombudsman. As a result of James Howson’s actions, the ombudsman decided some charges made were ‘unreasonable’ and had been ‘double charged’ and bailiffs’ notes were ‘insufficient’. Rossendale Council has also been told to better monitor its bailiffs’ performance and ensure they follow correct procedures in accordance with the law.
Mr Howson’s wife Catherine was in hospital with pregnancy complications when he overlooked two council tax payments of £166.09. That oversight led to the couple being pursued by bailiffs for £454 worth of charges alongside the outstanding debt.
In July 2008, on the very day Catherine gave birth to their son Noah, bailiffs hand delivered a note threatening to take away items from their home and sell them at public auction.
Bailiffs even claimed to levy a car that didn’t belong to the couple and just happened to be parked near their home, which was then in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall.
Mr Howson, 34, said: “Our son will be three this year, I find it hard to believe that a matter such has this has taken so long to resolve satisfactorily.
“All too often people do not question the actions of bailiffs. I had to be determined and I am grateful for the help I received from Rossendale Citizens’ Advice Bureau, which was invaluable.
“I know there will be many more people out there in just such circumstances and they will be very scared when they receive a bailiff notice. I hope they will be as determined as I was to ensure that they only pay for reasonable and accountable bailiff costs.”
The story was featured in full in the Big Issue In the North on Page 4 28 February.
It was also in the Rossendale Free Press on 1 April.