Freedom of information response

Bailiffs

Publication date: 
Friday 26 May 2023
Request: 

1) In regard to Council Tax arrears, what Bailiff / Enforcement companies are employed by Thurrock Council.

2) Please provide a list of all complaints relating to the Bailiffs lodged:

a) with the Council

b) with the Bailiffs

3) Please provide the following:

a) % and # Council Tax cases paid at "First Call"

b) % and # Council Tax cases paid at "Enforcement"

c) value of monies recovered

d) number of individuals undergoing committal proceedings

e) whether the Council carries out mystery shopping exercises

f) What is the councils Quality Assurance procedure in relation to the activities of Bailiff / Enforcement Companies

4) Please confirm how many times you have called off the Bailiffs due to payment of arrears.

5) Please confirm how many times you have NOT called off the Bailiffs despite payment of arrears.

6) Please confirm your understanding of the Bailiffs duties

7) Please confirm your understanding of who is liable for the Bailiffs costs (not council tax).

8) Please confirm your understanding of who is contractually bound to pay the Bailiffs costs.

9) Please confirm your complaints procedure in relation to Bailiffs costs and incorrect instruction

10) Please confirm what your arrangements are for the replying of emails in relation to council tax.

11) Please confirm any proceeds you receive from Bailiff / Enforcement Companies as a result of their instruction. That is, referral fees and so on.

12) Please confirm how many cases you are aware of where Bailiffs have attended a property for payment of their fees only and not Council tax.

Response: 

a. Bailiff / Enforcement Agents employed by Thurrock council. Hambury Tilmond ltd, Whyte & Co, Stanford Green Ltd, London Warrant Enforcement Ltd

b. The total value of Council Tax debt and Commercial Rates, year on year outstanding 2018 -2023. See below

Council tax total due at year end

 

2018/2019

£2,674,567.85

2019/2020

£2,691,263.97

2020/2021

£3,946,229.93

2021/2022

£4,699,228.97

2022/2023

£5,404,861.82

Commercial Rent Balances at year end

 

2018/2019

£478,261.50

2019/2020

£783,251.02

2020/2021

£703,692.75

2021/2022

£824,803.64

2022/2023

£683,387.86

c. The amounts of unpaid Council Tax and Commercial Rates, collected by your Bailiffs / Enforcement Agents year on year 2018 - 2023. See below for Council Tax – for Commercial Rent £0.00

Council tax total Enforcement Agents Collections

2018/2019

£988,513.08

2019/2020

£916,616.75

2020/2021

£279,698.57

2021/2022

£1,091,133.65

2022/2023

£1,603,900.93

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Request reference:
FOI 12725