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

Data Quality Officer

Wakefield Council
£25,989.00 - £26,403.00, Grade 4, 37 hours, Permanent
Are you passionate about ensuring data accuracy and integrity? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Internal Auditor

Wakefield Council
£39,152.00 - £41,771.00, Grade 9, 37 hours, Permanent
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with good communication skills Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Principal Engineer Highways Development Management

Wakefield Council
£47,181.00 - £50,269.00, Grade 11, 37 hours, Permanent
We are offering an exciting opportunity to join our Highways Development Management Team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 - £50,269 - £54,495
Are you an experienced, motivated leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people? We’re looking for someone who can inspir Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker, Connecting Families Team

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £44,075 - £48,226 (Post-Progression)
Connecting families are a team within the Children in Care service in Durham. The team support families of children who are subject to a Section 31 Ca Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner