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

Family Worker (Link Role)

Essex County Council
£33049.00 - £37698.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker (Link Role)Permanent, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Ugobus Driver - Clacton

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Ugobus Driver - ClactonPermanent, Term TimeUp to £25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Ugobus Driver - Basildon

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Ugobus Driver - BasildonPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time, Weekend, Emergency Duty Service Out of Hours Advisor

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time, Weekend, Emergency Duty Service Out of Hours AdvisorPermanent, Part Time£25,595 to £28,621 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Emergency Duty Service

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Emergency Duty ServicePermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner