CITIZEN’s advice bureaux across the country are often approached by people who are having to deal with bailiff action against them, perhaps because they are having trouble paying fines/ court orders or because they have got into arrears with their Council Tax bills.

If you are in this position there are some golden rules you should be aware of and which will help you to manage the situation:

• Firstly – if you are getting behind with your bills, get help to deal with your debts. Your local CAB can help you to sort your debts for free and arrange affordable repayments based on a sensible household budget. If this is not possible then they can also advise on the most appropriate way you can deal with your debts long term. If agreements are then reached with creditors and maintained this can completely avoid the need for bailiffs in the first place.

• If bailiffs do come, they should send a notice in advance of their visit to say that they are likely to call. When they visit they should also show you an identification badge or ID card, when requested to do so.

• You do not have to let them into your home if they have not been in peacefully before (although there are some limited circumstances where bailiffs can force entry into your property, for example if a bailiff is collecting a criminal magistrates court fine).

• Try not to leave any windows or external doors open as they can lawfully enter a property in this way.

• If a bailiff has gained peaceful entry, and taken control of your goods in the correct manner and you are not able to keep to any arrangement made with them to pay off the debt, they usually have the right to return and take the goods (but not certain essential household items or goods belonging to someone else)

• Make a complaint – If bailiffs have acted unlawfully or unfairly, get help to make a written complaint and if you are not happy with the response you can take it further. For example you might be able to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman if a bailiff recovering Council Tax arrears has gone beyond its powers or behaved unprofessionally. (All bailiffs must act within the law at all times and follow national standards).

• You can also make a complaint if the bailiff has charged too much in fees for recovering the debt, as the law states that only set charges can be added to the debt.

For further information and advice, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or see www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Your local bureau – South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau at Malvern Heights, Chequers Close, Enigma Business Park, Malvern, WR14 1BF is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am - 4pm, Wednesday (Specialist Debt Advice - by appointment). Tel: 01684 563611.