Are Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors contacting you about oustanding debt? Are you not sure what to do next?
Don’t let it get to the point where they take you to court.
Read this article for guidance on what to do about debt and how to deal with Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors so that soon you may become entirely debt free!
It’s not your fault. Complaints to the Financial Ombudsman have risen this year from 830 to 2,006, so it’s safe to say that you’re not alone.
Deal with your debt today and feel amazing tomorrow.
What you need to know about Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors?
Equita specialises in a variety of debt management services, including local taxation, civil parking enforcement, and debt advice. The company employs more than 1,000 staff members with offices nationwide.
Don’t worry, here’s what to do!
You could get rid of debt collectors by writing off your debt. I’ve put together a 4 question debt calculator which will tell you if you’re eligible:
What is the reason for the contact by Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors?
You may not have heard of Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors before, and you might be wondering why they are chasing you about debt.
These debt companies are chasing money on behalf of other organisations you owe the money to.
So, although you don’t owe them directly, they have the right to chase up the debt. They buy the debt from other companies, such as banks, energy companies etc, and they make money when you pay up.
Although contact by these debt collectors is frustrating, you still need to speak to them and sort out the outstanding money.
Get confirmation of debt
The first step in getting your debt sorted from Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors is to ensure you actually owe the debt.
If you don’t recognise it, ask them to send evidence, such as with the original credit agreement. They should be able to prove the deb, with a breakdown of what you owe. You may find that the value is higher than you thought, due to interest and late payments.
Find your best debt solution
Is all this information starting to feel overwhelming? Don’t panic! I’ve put together a 4 question debt calculator so you can quickly and easily find the best solution for you. Answer the four questions now.
Are they Bailiffs?
Equita is an organisation that has both bailiffs as well as debt collectors at their disposal.
This is why if an agent from Equita visits your home, it’s important that you explicitly ask them whether they’re a bailiff or a debt collector. It’s important to make this distinction because bailiffs have some extra-legal powers whereas debt collectors do not.
Bailiffs hold a certificate that is granted by a County Court Judge which states that they can take control of your goods if needed. These goods would then be sold off in order to pay for your debt.
Equita collects many different types of unpaid debts on behalf of local authorities across England and Wales. These debts include Council Tax, Business Rates, Parking Penalty Charges Notices and Unpaid rent arrears.
A Bailiff has Shown Up at My Home
If a bailiff (or an enforcement agent) shows up at your residence at Equita, it’s important that you don’t panic.
The bailiff may visit your home if you don’t pay your debts such as Council Tax debt, parking fines, court fines, etc.
Please note that before sending a bailiff to your home, Equita must send your prior notice at least 7 days before the first visit. This is known as the compliance stage.
Typically, you don’t have to open your door for a bailiff.
The bailiff cannot enter your residence:
- by force, such as by jamming their foot in the door when you try to close it, etc.
- If only children and/or people with vulnerabilities are present at the home
- between the hours of 9pm and 6am
- Through a window or any other opening. They must enter through the door.
Should you pay the debt back?
If you owe the money to Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors, you should make arrangements to pay it back.
If you can’t pay the full amount, they will usually allow you to make arrangements to pay it back. They should allow you to make payments, but they may ask for proof of your income and expenditure.
Debt collectors and their tactics
Debt collectors will often use a range of tactics to try and get you to start making payments. These may include frequent calls, text messages and even letter or a combination of these.
In some cases, this could be viewed as harassment and if Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors are doing this, you may want to consider contacting The Financial Ombudsman.
As they just want to make money they may resort to all kinds of tactics to get hold of you, but they should not bully or harass you into making payments.
What the law says about debt collectors
The Office for Fair Trading (OFT, 2012) published guidelines about debt collectors, and how they should be treating debtors. These are some of the guidelines that they are required to adhere to.
- They should treat debtors fairly, and be honest about any information relating to them
- Clear information and not misleading debtors.
- Understand the position of debtors, and be empathetic to their circumstances.
If you feel that Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors are not sticking to this legislation, you may want to consider reporting them to the OFT, who make revoke their license if they feel that they have been behaving unfairly.
If you want to make a complaint about Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors, you may want to use this online complaint form.
Make sure the debt collectors are clear about the debt, with a breakdown of exactly how much you owe, including interest and any other fees.
Why you should pay back the debt from Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors
If you are wondering if you really need to pay back Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors, these are some reasons why you should make payments.
It will save you some stress
Debt is stressful and if Equita Bailiffs Debt Collectors are constantly trying to reach you, it will cause you a great deal of stress.
If you can pay the debt, you should do this as, if nothing else, it will stop the constant phone calls and other contact by the debt collection company.
Do not let debt collectors bully you into paying back more than you can afford, make sure it is a realistic amount that works for you, after you have covered your important bills, such as your rent and energy bills.
Your credit rating will be affected
If you fail to make payments towards your debt, it can affect your credit rating, even if the debt is relatively small.
This will make it more difficult to get credit in the future. The sooner you start payments, the earlier your credit score will start to repair itself.
If you have spoken to Equita Baillifs Debt Collectors and they are causing you stress or you feel they are being unfair in their practices, you can speak to the Financial Ombudsman about your concerns.
You can reach them by phone on 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9123
Dealing with debt issues
Debt problems don’t just go away, and because they can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, it is imperative that you deal with any issues you are facing with your debt.
The worst thing you can do is bury your head in the sand when it comes to your debts, as they will end up spiralling out of control. These are some steps to take to deal with your debt.
Work out your budget
In order to be able to deal with your debt and pay anything back that is outstanding, you need to create a budget, with your outgoings and incomings.
Any excess can go towards your debts, but make sure you can cover the essentials, such as your bills and mortgage payments.
If Equita Baillifs Debt Collectors will not accept your payments, or they are still hassling you despite making payments, you can report them to the Financial Ombudsman on 0800 023 4567 or 0300 123 9123
Lies by debt collectors
It is important to be aware of the lies that debt collectors tell to try and get payments from debtors. They will sometimes go as far as saying that they will enter your home and take your possessions.
They are not permitted to do this, they would need an order from the police to enter your premises. Do not give them permission to enter your home, and if you feel threatened by debt collectors, contact the police.
Reduce your stress
Dealing with debt, and debt collectors is stressful, but you should try not to let them affect you too much.
They want to get a reaction from you, but you can only do what you can in terms of paying them back.
Make arrangements or explain your financial situation to them. You can request that they stop contacting you, but you will need to have some kind of arrangement in place, even if you can’t pay until a date in the future.
Can anyone help with your debt?
Not-for-profit organisations exist to help debtors like yourself, who are struggling to cope with their debt. There are also debt management companies who charge for their services. You should go to the non-for-profit organisations first. These are some of them:
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) a free service to help with your debt. Great advice and support.
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) free debt help and advice to help you cope with debt issues.
- StepChange provides free online debt advice and can help you deal with your debt.
What if your debt is out of hand?
If your debt is out of hand and you have no way of paying it, you may want to enter into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).
This is a formal agreement you enter, and it allows you to make payments and write off some of your debt. It is worth bearing in mind that if you enter into an IVA, you will not be permitted to get credit for up to five years.
Why not look for a local licenced IVA insolvency practitioner here.
A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is another option you may want to try. You must be left with £50 or less each month after you have paid your essential bills, to qualify for this.
If you want to apply for a DRO, you need the help of an authorised debt advisor. This is a list of authorised debt advisors here.
What next
If you can make payments to your debt, it is worth doing this. If you are getting hassle or any kind of bullying tactics from debt collectors, you should seek advice from the Financial Ombudsman.
Harassment pay include incessant phone calls or contacting you via every possible form of communication. Debt collectors can lose their licence if they are found guilty of poor pratices.
Who are Equita Debt Collectors?
Equita is a debt recovery and enforcement company who works with a range of local authorities around the UK, some 200 in fact.
They pride themselves on using not only innovative technology to ensure that debt is paid, but also that they have a good hold on the market too, which allows them to spot (and deal with) any problems that can arise.
Their website is aimed towards taking payments for their debt, however, they also work with debtors to provide debt advice and set up payment plans that are going to work for them, as well as ensure that the money is collected.
Are Equita Debt Collectors Legit?
Working throughout the UK, Equita is based in Northampton. They have been around for some time, which means that they have become experienced and knowledgeable in the industry.
They work hard to try and provide a legitimate service, not only to their clients, but also to those whom they are collecting debt from.
What does Equita Debt Collectors Do?
Straightforward debt recovery and enforcement is the name of the game for Equita. They do not buy debt from other lenders, they simply work with their clients to ensure that debt is paid.
Their main clients are local authorities, which will often mean that the type of debt that they are chasing is rent payments or other fines that could have been given out.
What does Equita Debt Collection Process look like?
More often than not, Equita will sent out letters in order to first make contact with a debtor. They may also call (if they have relevant telephone numbers) in order to discuss the debt with them.
They may ask for a full payment, however, it does seem that they are also able to discuss payment plans with debtors in order for them to make payments that are within their means.
Payments can be made via their telephone line, however, if you want to pay flexibly, then there is also a website portal that can be used in order to make payments quickly and easily.
Summary
No-one likes to be chased for debt, and it seems that amongst a sometimes “”bad bunch”” Equita come out relatively well.
They work with debtors to try and set out a payment plan that is going to work for them and take the time to discuss things with them.
Something that can across well in times of need. They also have flexible online payments, which means that you can make payments as and when you can.
FAQs
Who owns Equita Limited?
Equita Limited is owned by Capita PLC.
Are Equita Limited financially regulated?
Equita Limited is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Do HMRC use Equita Limited?
Equita Limited collects outstanding local authority debts, but is not one of the eleven debt collection agencies that works for HMRC.
Does Equita Limited buy debt?
Equita Limited are enforcement agents rather than debt collectors. They do not buy debts from other companies and organisations.
What happens if you ignore debt collectors?
It is not really possible to ignore debt collectors like Equita Limited, as if you do, they are likely to send doorstep collectors round. There is also the possibility that they will send you a CCJ, which will end up on your credit report. This is why it is so important just to answer them, and make an arrangement to pay back your debt.
Can Equita Limited take you to court?
There is the possibility that Equita Limited will try to take you to court to recover the outstanding debt. If they are attempting to take you to court, you will be given a County Court Judgement Letter.
Can you go to jail for debt collections?
You will not be sent to jail for outstanding debt, however, you may receive a CCJ.
What happens if I ignore a CCJ?
You should never ignore a CCJ. You won’t end up in prison if you do, but there is a chance that bailiffs will show up at your door
Can Equita Limited send you a warrant?
Equita Limited will not be able to issue you with a warrant, the most they will be able to do is request you get a CCJ, and if this is successful they would be able to send bailiffs round to your home, to take away your goods to pay for your debt.
Are Equita Limited bailiffs?
Equita Limited do not operate a bailiffs, they are debt collectors. They do have the right to request a CCJ though, which means they can send the bailiffs round. They won’t just do this without warning though, they will give you plenty of warnings and letters.
Can Equita Limited come to your house?
Equita Limited could send agents to your home, however, they don’t have any legal powers to enforce entry or take any further steps. This means that you can just tell them to go. However, this is different if they have given you a CCJ.
Can Equita Limited force entry?
Equita Limited do not have the right to force entry, as they don’t have the legal powers to do so. They can instruct bailiffs through a CCJ, and if this is the case, they may be able to force entry.
Will Equita Limited give up?
Equita Limited will not give up with chasing the debt. They will try every possible action to try and get you to pay up. You could potentially be chased about the debt for as long as 6 years.
Can a debt be too old to collect?
The debt could become too old, as under the Limitation Act 1980, there is only 6 years maximum to try and collect a debt. The 6 years starts from the last the date of either your past payment, or the last time you spoke to them about the debt.
How long can you legally be chased for debt?
You may be chased for as long as 6 years about your debt, and this start from the last payment, or when you spoke to the creditor about the debt. The Limitation Act is null and void if you receive a CCJ. In this case, there is no limit to the period of time they can chase you.
Are debts ever written off?
The debt can expire, or you can enter into an IVA, where you can write off some of the debt, and pay the rest. It is important to look into the finer details before you do this though, as it could affect your ability to get credit in the future.
How do I contact Equita Limited?
Equita Limited can be contacted by phone but they do not have a freephone number so it may cost you to call them unless you have a call plan with inclusive minutes. There are a range of online contact options on the Equita website although there is no live chat option. You can also contact Equita by post.
How do I pay Equita Limited?
Equita Limited accepts cash payments made to its enforcement agent, but you should ask to see ID before making a payment and should make sure you get a receipt. You can also pay by credit or debit card online, or by direct debit. You can also pay at a PayPoint retailer or at the Post Office, over the counter at an Equita office or by post.
References
Schedule 12, Tribunals, Courts and Enforcements Act, 2007
Part 1, Regulation 10, Certification of enforcement agents, 2014.
Gov.uk, CPR – Rules and Directions, 2018.
*Note: This is a real life example based on a customers’ savings data in October 2020.