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

Customer Services Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Customer Services AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Driver/Loader

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 5 (scp 16-19) £30,518 to £32,061 per annum
You will deliver a comprehensive refuse and recycling service for the Council, Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

English Teacher

Durham County Council
£45,352
English Intervention Teacher Casual Contract for one year- 100 hours minimum each year.  Extra casual hours available to suit throughout the school ye Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,106 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Maths Teacher

Durham County Council
£45,352
Maths Intervention Teacher Casual Contract for one year -100 hours minimum each year.  Extra casual hours available to suit throughout the school year Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner