u/Awkward-Evidence4486

I'm currently unemployed and going through treatment for a health issue. My council tax debt was passed to a bailiff agency. I received their letter late but acted immediately I called, was advised to submit an income and expenditure form by email, did so the same day, and have automated confirmation of this.

I called back as they sent a message with an additional fee added, to ask one simple question: the letter was dated 27 April, does the 14 day deadline fall on 11 May? Instead the agent:

• Questioned why I was calling from a private number
• Claimed he couldn't find my account using reference numbers from their own letter, then accused me of providing incorrect information
• Called me a liar about submitting my form on time. I have automated email proof
• Could not give consistent answers on timelines , his colleague said 5 days, the automated email said 14 working days, he said 10
• Made derogatory comments implying I claim benefits, which I do not. He also expressed that I did not impress him with the way I spoke.
• Accused me of hanging up on a previous agent, then hung up on me himself

The entire interaction provoked deeply negative and harmful thoughts feelings that even my health diagnosis has never brought me to I have since paid the balance in full and emailed the council directly. I have also submitted a formal complaint to the agency.

I am now anxious because after checking their reviews, it appears this company rarely closes accounts cleanly and has a pattern of finding ways to pursue people further even after payment. I am shocked that an agency operating this way is still functioning and being appointed by local councils to deal with vulnerable residents.

Has anyone experienced something similar after paying in full? Did they leave you alone? Any advice on protecting myself from further contact would be really appreciated.

Location: England, UK

I don't usually post things like this but I need to feel heard by people who might understand.

I'm currently unemployed and going through treatment for cancer. My council tax debt was passed to a bailiff agency. I received their letter late but acted immediately I called, was advised to submit an income and expenditure form by email, did so the same day, and have automated confirmation of this.

I called back to ask one simple question: the letter was dated 27 April does the 14 day deadline fall on 11 May? Instead the agent:

• Questioned why I was calling from a private number
• Claimed he couldn't find my account using reference numbers from their own letter, then accused me of providing incorrect information
• Told me I was lying about submitting my form on time — I have automated email proof
• Could not give consistent answers on response timelines — his colleague said 5 days, the automated email said 14 working days, he said 10
• Made derogatory comments implying I claim benefits — I do not
• Accused me of hanging up on a previous agent, then hung up on me himself

I paid the full balance shortly after the call with my parents support…..out of fear.

I have submitted a formal complaint to the agency. I am also writing to the council requesting they contact me directly before referring to bailiffs in future.

Has anyone been through something similar? Was the complaint process effective? Any advice welcome. I feel so dehumanised.

Location: England, UK