Thomas Bridge 01 October 2014

Council given 'taste of own medicine' as bailiffs seize computers

Bailiffs have seized thousands of pounds worth of equipment from a north London council to repay money owed to a resident.

Computers, TVs and printers were removed from a Camden Council office as enforcement officers attempted to recover more than £7,700.

The funds were owed to local hotel owner Stephen Gethin, who has claimed the council failed to pay rent for tenants receiving housing benefit. The High Court recently ruled in Gethin's favour, instructing bailiffs to be sent to the town hall.

However in a bizarre twist, Camden's assistant director of finance is reported to have ultimately paid the enforcement officers over £7,671 in cash at the scene.

Gethin told Ham & High: 'They've owed this money to me for a long time and this was the only way I was going to get it back.

'It's ironic because it's exactly what they do to other residents who fail to pay their council tax or parking fines on time.

'This is giving them a taste of their own medicine,' he added.

A Camden Council spokesman said: 'We can confirm that on Wednesday a High Court enforcement officer attended the town hall to enforce a county court judgement.

'Camden disputes the sums involved and is taking legal advice.

'In the circumstances we do not consider it appropriate to comment further.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist - Main Grade

Essex County Council
£43483.0000 - £63394.0000 per annum
Educational Psychologist - Main GradePermanent, Full Time and Part TimeSoulbury Psychologists Scale A from 3 to 8 plus SPA opportunityLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Service Desk Analysts

Durham County Council
£27,274 to £29,542 p.a. pro rata for part time post (Grade 5)
A vacancy has arisen within Digital Services for two Service Desk Analysts to provide ICT support to corporate and external customers and schools in a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Crematorium Attendant

Durham County Council
£29,071 - £32,046
 Part time post 14.5 hours Are you a compassionate, professional individual who can provide excellent service during some of life's most difficult mo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Communication Support Worker

Durham County Council
£33,673 - £37,563
Temporary Contract review will take place at end of July 2027. Part time - 8 hours per week Term time only plus 2 weeks Required to start January 2027 Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,016- £26,847 (Pro Rata)
Temporary Contract until August 31st 2027 Full Time- Term Time + 2 weeks Start date to be agreed with Headteacher   Framwellgate Moor Primary is an Ou Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner