Coronavirus in Portsmouth: Shock as city council sends bailiffs out over tax debt in lockdown

Residents reported their ‘shock’ after being confronted with debt collectors this month, claiming they were asked for 'ridiculous' amounts.

Portsmouth City Council suspended enforcement during first lockdown, but then resumed action from September for debts that were outstanding from before the pandemic.

Landport mum-of-two, Tara Keenan, said: ‘I have fallen behind on my council tax. I'm not one of those people who won’t pay it, I have just fallen behind.

‘Having a bailiff turn up at my door was a shock, I had no idea it was happening. He was telling me I had to pay a certain amount by a time, which I just can't do.

‘My money situation has been declining. I only get £158 next month from universal credit. He put down that I would pay £150 next month, leaving me with £8 for everything else. I can't pay that.'

The 47-year-old also had concerns about a lack of PPE.

‘I am clinically vulnerable and shielding, and have a son to look after.’ Tara said.

‘(The bailiff) didn't have a mask on. He was at least three feet away from my door.’

Tara said she had been unable to contact the council because she did not have internet access or credit for her phone.

Housing activist and Labour councillor Cal Corkery, was contacted by several residents with similar experiences.

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He said: ‘A man I spoke to has a disabled son but they’re insisting on coming to the door.

‘They're asking for ridiculous amounts of money that he can't afford.

‘Bailiffs don't know the situation of the person whose door they're doing to - it could be someone Covid positive or shielding.’

Cllr Corkery also questioned why an agency is used at all.

A council spokeswoman said bailiffs first contact people about any debt to try and head off the need for a visit.

‘Where an agent visits, it will be following prior written notice of the intention to visit,’ she said.

‘Where a visit does take place... PPE is utilised, and there is no entry to residential properties.

‘If the resident advises an enforcement agent at a visit that they are self-isolating, there are protocols that the agent is required to follow.’

She added it was ‘better value’ to contract specialist bailiff agencies rather than employ them directly.

Fees of £75 are added to a debt when a visit is carried out.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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