News

Know your bailiff

Published

10 years ago

February 23, 2015

BAILIFFS have recently been granted new powers. However, how many of us are aware of their rights when they hear that knock on the door? Here’s a quick summary of the different types of bailiff and debt collectors you might encounter, what they are allowed to do, and who to contact for help and advice.

Certified Enforcement Agents are appointed by the Magistrates Courts (CHECK). Under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcements Act of 2007, they have certain powers to enter properties and to seize goods. Certified Enforcement Agents are either officers of the Courts, or private contracted firms. They deal with debts relating to: Council Tax; High and County Court Judgements; Magistrates Court fines and Compensation Orders; parking penalties; child support; income tax; National Insurance; VAT, and business rent. If your debt is not from one of these, it’s probably not a Certified Enforcement Agent.

Enforcement Agents can only force their way into your house if they have applied to the court for a Paragraph 15 warrant of entry. This only applies in law with unpaid criminal court fines. They cannot remove goods in your absence unless you have signed a compliant regulation 15 controlled goods agreement with those goods listed on it.

Agents can enter your house through an unlocked door. They cannot force their way past you, or enter the house when only children or vulnerable people are present, or at night. They must only enter through a door. If you don’t let them in, they are entitled to seize property outside your house, for example a car.

If you do not owe money to any of the above, or have not received notice that the bailiff is visiting, you are probably dealing with a debt collector. Always ask to see identification. Debt collectors have none of the powers discussed above, and if they try to convince you that they are a bailiff, or have the right to enter your home, they are committing an offence.

The new regulations concerning bailiffs have led to some confusion and disagreements locally. The Herald understands that the police were called to the Mount Estate in Milford Haven last week, after reports of an altercation between a bailiff and a local resident.

According to witnesses, on Thursday (Feb 5) the bailiff entered through the patio doors of a property in the Birch Mead area of the Mount before the argument took place. A Police spokesperson confirmed that officers had visited the Estate following ‘a request for assistance.’ However, no injuries were reported, and no arrests were made.

If you need more detailed advice on bailiffs, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0844 477 2020. They will contact you within 48 hours. Alternatively, check their website www.adviceguide. org.uk for details of local drop-in sessions. To complain about a Certified Enforcement Agent, download a form from www.gov. uk

News

Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club

Published

10 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.

A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”

As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”

News

Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death

Published

11 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.

Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.

A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”

The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”

Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.

Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.

In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.

Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”

Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.

The inquest continues.

News

Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying

Published

11 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.

Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.

On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.

Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.

Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.

The inquest continues.