Evictions/Bailiffs. Do people really not know?

If they have ignored all past warnings ( and they will have had plenty) the High Court does not send letters so by the time you see the programme these are people who would have had many letters or notices and ignored them
High court gives no more warnings it’s straight in
Doodlebug I would expect they are paid well to take part in the programme it’s not just a random filming so they would be welcoming it not telling them to naff off ?

A programme about debt collection is so wrong imo as it is humiliating for the people involved. It is amazing how fast something can escalate from even a single debt and at each stage there are extra fees/charges.

Good point M0nica.

They get paid Doodledog

The capacity for people to bury their heads in the sand when faced by debt problems should never be understimated.

They get the letters and push them into a drawer unopened, or behind the settee or stuff them in a cupboard,. Occasionally they put them in the bin, although this is surprisingly rare.

They do not attend court, they do not seek help, they just hope that if they ignore it long enough, it will go away. They often just do not know what they can do. Transfixed like rabbits in spotlights.

So when the bailiffs arrive it is a surprise and a dreadful shock, and, as the programme often shows, they are then directed to the srvices that can help them.

Two points
1. As Jax said denial is not uncommon in situations involving debts. Years ago in my work with CA I remember visiting a young woman who when I gently asked about other debts ( not just the one she presented with) opened a drawer in her sideboard full of ignored often unopened brown envelopes.
2. Why does anyone watch programmes like this?

I don't understand why they don't tell the TV cameras to naff off. Bad enough to have that happen (particularly if it's because of circumstances beyond their control), but to have it televised as entertainment for ghouls must be really humiliating. A lot of channel 5 programming is like that, though - 'documentaries' about people on benefits or the overweight etc. It's cruel.

Most are in denial with letters from the County Court giving a date to leave, so they ignore it. If the initiator gets a High Court judgement, which supersedes the previous one, they gate no date and must leave immediately the bailiff turns up.

They must know they've not paid their rent or a debt so it can't come as that much of a surprise.

If it is from the High Court, often done to speed up the process, there is no notice.

If addressed to one person in the house (or who is estranged or separated for example) the rest of the house may not know.

I've watched a few of the landlord/tenant programmes. I think the final letter is sent by registered mail and a notice is fastened to the front door so they have no excuse.

I thought people had to accept the notice before the bailiffs were sent in.

television.