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1. The amount of court costs incurred to take someone to court for council tax arrears in 2009/2010. This is the actual amount of costs that Thurrock Council pay out.
2. A breakdown of how the £95 liability order fee is obtained as a figure.
3. How many times in the years 2008/09 & 2009/10 were there any complaints either verbal or in writing re a bailiff company (in particular Newlyns) levying against goods not belonging to someone e.g. a vehicle levied against someone who does not own it.
4. Where you can get full information regarding Thurrock Councils 'Decent Homes' scheme and what does/doesn't qualify as 'decent'.
5. A full address and contact to write to when you feel your property is not of a decent liveable standard and is most definitely a danger to yourself/young children.
1. The court costs incurred are £3 per liability order. The total costs incurred for 2009/10 were £27k.
2. The £95 liability order is made up of two component parts:
i) The summons of £65 includes £3 for the summons and £62 for the administration of the paperwork and clerical costs. This figure was agreed between the Court and the Council. There is no more detailed breakdown.
ii) The £30 liability costs are administration costs for the Council. This figure was agreed between the Court and the Council. There is no more detailed breakdown.
3. Bailiffs do not levy against any goods that they know do not belong to a debtor. We have checked with the bailiffs who confirm that there have been no written complaints.
4. The Council as a social landlord has been required to follow central Government guidance concerning the attainment of Decent Homes.
The Council has implemented a policy of meeting the Government's definition of Decent Homes contained within its last guidance document:
"A Decent Home: Definition and guidance for implementation" June 2006 - Update. This is available from Communities and Local Government via their web-site:
www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/decenthome
5. Head of Housing,
Housing Services,
Civic Offices,
New Road,
Grays,
Essex RM17 6SL.
01375 652652
01375 652359
