LGO stance on baiiff fees challenged

The Local Government Ombudsman has gone beyond its remit in commenting on how much a bailiff firm should charge, says Fred Ternent

Earlier this year the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) published a report criticising Blaby District Council for the way it sought to recover unpaid Council Tax debt from a resident. The LGO said the council had failed to stop its bailiff partner from charging “disproportionate” fees for two visits.

Ombudsman Dr Jane Martin acknowledged that the council had an obligation to pursue those that did not pay Council Tax, and noted that in this case arrears of £10,000 had built up...

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