You claim a prescribed out-of-work benefit
If an individual owes council tax arrears and qualifies for income support, the council can deduct payments directly from their income, negating the need for enforcement action and eliminating bailiff fees.
If you're not currently receiving Income Support, check if you meet the eligibility criteria to start a claim. The claim begins from the application date and must be completed before requesting a Deduction from the council.
The Law:
Regulation 2 of the Council Tax (Deductions from Income Support) Regulations 1993 states:
2. Where a liability order has been made against a debtor by a magistrates' court and the debtor is entitled to income support the billing authority concerned may apply to the Secretary of State asking him to deduct sums from any amounts payable to the debtor by way of income support in order to secure the payment of any outstanding sum which is or forms part of the amount in respect of which the liability order was made.
You may also fall under the category of vulnerable individuals for civil enforcement purposes.
Template email and text message: Notify the bailiff company and the bailiff that the claimant is receiving an out-of-work benefit and request the council to make a deduction.
This removes the bailiff from the process, along with the associated £310 fees. Attach evidence of the type of benefit being claimed.The Council Tax (Deductions from Income Support) Regulations 1993 outline the process that both the council and the Secretary of State must adhere to when deducting from benefits.