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

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Strategic Financial Advisor

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£48,873 - £59,220 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Team Manager

Cheshire East Council
£48,072 - £54,994
At Cheshire East Council we are resident, and partner focused with a vision to enable prosperity and wellbeing for all. Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Youth Worker

Cheshire East Council
£31,537 - £34,434
This role of the Youth Worker is assisting the Senior Youth Worker with the day-to-day delivery of our targeted youth work programme Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Youth Support Worker

Cheshire East Council
£25,583 - £25,989
This role supports the Senior Youth Worker and Youth Work to plan, deliver and evaluate targeted diverse youth work programmes Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Best Start for Life Assistant

Cheshire East Council
£25,583 - £25,989
An exciting opportunity has become available to join Cheshire East Council as a Best Start for Life Assistant. Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council
Linkedin Banner