Are you feeling anxious because Dukes Bailiffs Limited have reached out regarding your council tax debt? You’ve found the perfect place for assistance. Stay tuned to uncover the strategies that can turn your situation around.
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Who are Dukes Bailiffs Limited?
Dukes Bailiffs Limited, renowned in the UK, stands at the forefront of ethical debt recovery. Dukes enforcement serves the public as well as the private sector. They have a vast reach, with their services extending across the UK. What makes them unique is that they’re not just about collecting debts; their approach is more comprehensive.
Ever wondered how companies track down people who owe money but have moved? Dukes Bailiffs Limited excels in this. They find individuals who have relocated, ensuring debts don’t just vanish.
Dukes Enforcement also handles arrest warrants and sundry debts. This includes social care debts, garage rent, and even overpayments of housing benefits. Their scope is broad, covering various types of debts.
They also play a crucial role in recovering local taxes and commercial debts. They ensure that local councils and businesses receive what they’re owed.
Their authority extends to enforcing high court orders and collecting road traffic penalties. This includes bus lane fines and parking offences. With debts over £600, they step in to uphold the law. They also deal with traveller evictions, unpaid invoices, and even the forfeiture of commercial leases.
Dukes Bailiffs Limited Reviews
Dukes Enforcement has a mix of reviews online. Some debtors praise them, while others not. Some of their reviews are as follows:
“I can’t tell what a relief it was once I took the courage to call Dukes and speak to someone. They listened to my situation, offered support and put my mind at ease. Thank you for all your help. I urge anyone to call up Dukes and let them help you…read more” –Dennis Phillips
“Duke’s is a really professional local company and are great with communication, and are really understanding and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend…read more” –Hollie Tilbury
Sent 3 text messages putting the fear in me. Saying someone will visit my property. What for ?? No details of the account or what it is for. I have tried to email, which asks for details of an account I didn’t know I had. No paper work or phone calls. I am a vulnerable, disabled person. Literally having a breakdown…read more – Kerry Mcguigan
“I am absolutely appalled and disgusted by the way, the agents deal with vulnerable customers. Their bullying attitude, “pay now or we will take action”, meaning we will send an agent round and add more debt on top of the debt you already have!
Didn’t even know they had a welfare team until I checked the reviews here as the agents on the phone refused, saying they are qualified to deal with all customers…read more” –Zara Rici
Can Dukes Bailiffs Limited Come to My Home?
Yes, Dukes Bailiffs Limited can come to your house due to various debts, including parking fines, court judgments, and council tax bills.
They must, however, follow a rule: giving you at least 7 days’ notice before their visit, a phase known as the compliance stage.
- Your Rights at Your Doorstep: Interestingly, you’re not obliged to open your door to Dukes Bailiffs Limited. This is your right, and knowing it is crucial.
- Dukes Bailiffs’ Limitations: As an enforcement agency, Dukes Bailiffs Limited has boundaries. They can’t enter through non-standard entries like windows, nor can they visit between 9 pm and 6 am. Also, if vulnerable people or children under 16 are present, they’re not allowed to force entry. These rules protect residents from undue stress.
- Outside Your Home: If Dukes Bailiffs Limited find valuables outside your home, like bikes or cars, they can legally take these to cover your debts, adding an enforcement fee to what you owe. This is a critical aspect to be aware of.
- Inside Your Home: Should you choose to let them in, and if there’s a Liability Order against you, Dukes Bailiffs Limited may take items from your home to settle the council tax debt. This is a significant step, but it’s governed by strict rules.
Liability Orders: What Are They?
A Liability Order against you gives Dukes Bailiffs Limited more power in their debt collection process. It’s a court order that local councils obtain when council tax debts are unpaid. With this order, Dukes Bailiffs can take additional steps to recover the debt, such as seizing goods.
However, they still can’t force entry into your home. But they have the right to contact you more frequently and add fees. Understanding the specifics of a Liability Order helps you to navigate the situation more effectively.
What is Reasonable Force in Debt Collection?
Dukes Enforcement may use ‘reasonable force’ to re-enter a property they have previously legally entered. This indicates that if the enforcement agents have entered your home before, reasonable force can be used to enter again.
The agents can even get a locksmith to unlock the door and enter your home. But this should be done only within reasonable hours, such as 6 am to 9 pm.
Can I Pay Dukes Bailiffs Limited on the Doorstep?
Yes, you can consider paying Dukes Bailiffs Limited directly at your doorstep to settle the debt. It’s an option, but it comes with its own set of rules. Make sure you don’t allow them inside and always get a receipt for any payment made. This ensures there’s a record of the transaction and protects you from any future disputes over the payment.
Note that you can request them to provide a repayment plan, but they are not obligated to accept it. Dukes enforcement can instead opt for a Controlled Goods Agreement.
What is a Controlled Goods Agreement?
If Dukes Bailiffs Limited can’t collect payment, they may set up a Controlled Goods Agreement. This means they list items they can take and sell if you don’t pay your debt. It’s a legally binding agreement, and interfering with the listed goods can lead to criminal charges.
Understanding this agreement is crucial to protect your assets and find alternative ways to settle your debt.
Can Dukes Bailiffs Limited Add Fees to My Council Tax Debt?
Facing a council tax debt with Dukes Bailiffs Limited? If so, you’ll need to know about the additional fees they can add to your debt. Even if these fees seem unfair, they’re legally sanctioned under the Tribunal Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.
Let’s break down what these fees are and how they impact your total debt.
- Notice of Enforcement Fee: As soon as Dukes Bailiffs Limited takes on your case, a £75 compliance fee is automatically added to your account. This fee covers the cost of issuing the enforcement notice.
- Enforcement Visit Fee: The first visit from an Enforcement Agent comes with a £235 fee. If your debt is above £1,500, an amount of 7.5% will be added to your existing debt.
- Sale or Disposal Fee: If you breach a Controlled Goods Agreement and the Enforcement Agent needs to sell your goods, a £110 fee is charged. For debts exceeding £1,500, the fee increases by 7.5% of the amount over £1,500.
In total, the minimum fees Dukes Bailiffs Limited can charge amount to £420. However, apart from this, they can also apply:
- Court fees
- Storage for seized assets
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Locksmith fees
Understanding these fees is crucial in managing your council tax debt with Dukes Bailiffs Limited.
Can I Arrange a Payment Plan with Dukes Bailiffs for My Council Tax Debt?
Yes, you can request Dukes Bailiffs Limited for a payment plan, but note that they are not obligated to accept it. If you want to increase your chances of them agreeing to it, make a budget with the amount that you can afford to pay.
Also, keep in mind that you should only agree to a payment plan that you’re sure you can afford without any hassle. If you agree to a payment plan and miss deadlines again, Dukes Enforcement has the right to take action against you.
Can an IVA Help Me with Dukes Bailiffs for Council Tax Debt?
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could be a viable solution when dealing with council tax debt and Dukes Bailiffs Limited. But note that you need to owe several thousands of debt to multiple creditors in order to be eligible.
If you want to opt for an IVA, we recommend you get some advice from a debt charity.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay Dukes Bailiffs Limited Council Tax Debt?
Failing to pay your council tax debt to Dukes Bailiffs Limited can lead to severe consequences. If a payment plan isn’t agreed upon, and the debt remains unpaid, they can escalate the matter legally, potentially leading to court action or even imprisonment in extreme cases.
Dukes Enforcement will do this by applying for a warrant from the Magistrate’s Court. If you’re unable to pay the debt, there are other options you can consider. Understanding these potential outcomes is vital to avoid them.
What Should I Do If I’m Unable to Pay the Debt To Dukes Bailiffs Limited?
If you’re unable to pay the debt, request a payment plan. You can also take up a debt solution. There are multiple debt solutions available in the UK. Some of them help to even completely write off your debt. But note that while the right debt solution helps to write off the debt, picking the wrong one will be expensive and might even worsen your situation.
Thus, we recommend that you reach out to a debt charity for some advice before you decide. Alternatively, feel free to fill out our online form, and our MoneyAdvisor Team will guide you.
Some debt solutions you can consider taking up include:
Can Dukes Bailiffs Collect Old Debts?
Dukes Bailiffs Limited is bound by legal time limits when it comes to collecting old debts. This is called statute-barred debts. In England, the limit is generally six years. If you receive a notice for a debt older than this, you might have grounds to dispute the collection. Knowing the statute of limitations is essential in handling old debt claims.
In order for a debt to be statute-barred, it should meet the following criteria:
- You have not made any payments in the last six years
- You have not admitted to owing the debt in the last six years
- You have not received a County Court Judgement (CCJ) for it
Can I Get Dukes Bailiffs to Stop Contacting Me?
If the contact from Dukes Bailiffs Limited becomes overwhelming, you have the legal right to request them to stop. While they must adhere to your request, there are exceptions. This step should be considered carefully, as it might lead to them escalating the debt recovery process.
| Website: | https://dukeslimited.co.uk/ |
| Phone number: | 01785 825 500 |
| Email address: | info@dukeslimited.co.uk |
| Pay online: | Pay here |
| Head office address: | 7 Newcastle Street, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom, ST15 8JT |
What Rights Do I Have and What Laws Should Dukes Bailiffs Limited Follow?
Dukes Bailiffs Limited should follow certain rules when dealing with debtors. According to the Office of Fair Trading, some regulations that should be followed include:
- Treat debtors fairly
- Be transparent with the information they provide and make sure that it is clear and not confusing for the debtor.
- Be considerate to debtors who are facing difficulties in terms of finances, and be empathetic.
- Consider the situation of the debtor before deciding on the next steps.
If Dukes Enforcement breaks any of the above rules, you have the right to report them.
Bailiffs have more power in comparison to debt collectors. So they have the right to do the following:
- Asset seizure: Dukes bailiffs can take certain assets if you fail to pay the debt.
- Property entry: they have the right to enter your house under specific circumstances.
Even though bailiffs have power, it is not unlimited:
- They should notify the debtor before visiting
- They should respect certain spaces, such as bedrooms.
- They should not use force unless it is necessary
Even though bailiffs have certain powers, you have rights too:
- They cannot intimidate, harass, or bully you
- You have the right to negotiate payment terms directly or through a representative
- You have the right to ask for ID when they visit.
How Do I Make A Complaint Against Dukes Bailiffs Limited?
If you believe Dukes Bailiffs Limited broke any rules or mistreated you in any way when attempting to collect the debt, you can report directly to them.
Dukes Enforcement takes complaints seriously and will review all evidence you provide to them. This includes:
- Case notes
- Body-worn camera footage
- Telephone calls
This allows them to investigate into the issue and identify if the agents have followed all their rules and regulations when dealing with debtors. But if a debtor states that they have evidence that contradicts the above evidence, Duke will request a copy to review.
If you contact their customer service team, one of the contact centre agents will attempt to resolve your case over the phone without delay.
But if you’re still not satisfied with their response, they will request that you complete a complaints form. You can complete it online or as a hard copy. You should send this to their complaints officer for review. Make sure to provide sufficient information in order to make the investigation easier.
Once you send Duke the complaint:
But note that some investigations might take longer in comparison to others. If Dukes Enforcement is unable to send you a response within 10 business days, you will receive a holding letter advising you on when it will be resolved.
If you receive a response following the investigation that you’re not satisfied with, request to move it to stage 2. This is called the Senior Manager Review.
In order to review the complaint, a reason should be provided as to why you are unsatisfied with the response received in stage 1. Failure to provide sufficient reasoning will mean that it will not be automatically transferred to stage 2.
Once Dukes Limited receives the above, their complaints office will send a response acknowledging it within 28 hours. This will state that the complaint has been escalated. So, in this situation, a Senior Manager will review the complaint and give a full written response within 5 business days.
If you are still not satisfied with the response, you have the right to report it to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Dukes Bailiffs Council Tax Debt – Do I Have to Pay?
Ultimately, the question boils down to whether you must pay your council tax debt to Dukes Bailiffs Limited. While addressing your debts is crucial, you also have rights and options. Understanding these, along with the potential consequences of non-payment, is key to making an informed decision on how to proceed.
Where Can I Reach Out to For Additional Advice and Guidance?
If you want additional advice and guidance, there are many debt charities in the UK. These charities offer advice for free for debtors struggling with debt. Some debt charities in the UK that you can reach out to include:
- StepChange
- National Debtline
- Citizens Advice
Key Points
- Dukes Bailiffs Limited is a leading UK agency specialising in ethical debt recovery. They handle debts for private companies and local councils, including council tax arrears.
- Their services include tracing and collection, high court enforcement, road traffic enforcement, and commercial debt recovery.
- Dukes Bailiffs Limited may contact individuals for unpaid debts such as council tax arrears, parking fines, and court judgments.
- They operate across the UK and may issue a Notice of Enforcement for outstanding debts.
- Upon receiving a Notice of Enforcement from Dukes Bailiffs Limited, it’s important to understand the fees involved. Fees can include a compliance fee, enforcement visit fee, and sale or disposal fee.
- Dukes Bailiffs Limited can visit your home to collect debts but must provide at least 7 days’ notice.
- They cannot enter forcibly or outside of specified hours and are limited in their actions if vulnerable individuals are present. You have the right not to let them in, but they can take valuables from outside your home.
- Explore options like payment plans or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) to manage council tax debts.
- Understanding your rights and the limitations of Dukes Bailiffs Limited can help in negotiating debt repayment.
- Non-payment of council tax debt to Dukes Bailiffs Limited can lead to additional fees and legal actions. In extreme cases, it could result in court action or imprisonment.
- It’s crucial to be aware of your legal rights and protections when dealing with Dukes Bailiffs Limited. Know the boundaries set for bailiffs, such as times they can visit and actions they can take.
