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

Triage Advisor

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £27,274 - £29,542
We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a passionate and people-focused individual to join DurhamEnable as a Triage Advisor, supporting the Connect to W Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Specialist Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £29,071- £32,046 pro rata to hours worked
We are seeking to appoint a Specialist Support Worker for d/Deaf children and young people to work mainly within our Enhanced Learning Provisions in C Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£25, 614
Temporary contract until 21st July 2027 Part Time- 7.5 hours per week. Term Time Only Required to start 01/10/2026 (or as soon as possible)   The Gove Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

X3 Enhanced Teaching Assistants

Durham County Council
£29,071- £32,046 pro rata
Hours on site may vary due to training and meeting commitments- Staff are typically expected on site 8
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager - Connected Carers Team

Durham County Council
Grade 14, £51,928 - £56,293
We are looking for a Team Manager to join our Fostering service.  In Durham we strive to keep our children within their family, if at all possible an Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner