Thomas Bridge Wednesday, October 1, 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

Pensions Officer (Benefits)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37,602- £45,564 per year (starting salary depen
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Development Management Team Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539
Lead one of the largest planning services in the country! Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Development Management Team Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539
Lead one of the largest planning services in the country! Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid EssexFixed Term, Full Time£38,487 to £51,834 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

RCHW Site Operative

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
RCHW Site OperativePermanent, Part Time£25,959 per annum full time equivalent Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner