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 Disrepair Lawyer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
£45.0000 - £55.0000 per hour
Housing Disrepair Lawyer - Harlow District CouncilLocation, HarlowFull time, Temporary 3Month Contract £45-£55 per hour (Umbrella) dependant on experi England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Procurement & Contracts Lawyer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £33.0000 per hour
Procurement & Contracts Lawyer - Harlow District Council Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary 3-Month Contract, 37 Hours per Week £25.73 PAYE / £33.00 England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Bereavement Services Operative

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£27,274 - £32,046
This is a 37 hour a week position worked over 5 days, flexibility is essential as role includes occasional Saturday working. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Advanced Practitioner - Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Up to £61,176 per annum
Advanced PractitionerMulti-Agency S... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Area Manager - Parks

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£46,579 - £48,738
You will be responsible for the management of our grounds maintenance services across the Kirklees district. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner