Bailiffs seized thousands of pounds worth of computers from a north London council in order to repay money it owed to a resident.
Enforcement officers also took televisions and printers from one of Camden Council's offices in Argyle Street to pay off the £7,700 debt last week.
Stephen Gethin, owner of the HappyVale Hotel in Mornington Crescent, dubbed the 'worst hotel in Britain', claims the council owes him the cash for rent for tenants receiving housing benefit.
But the council’s assistant director of finance eventually paid the bailiffs £7,671 in cash in order to stop the electronic equipment being taken, according to reports.
Mr Gethin, who had his hotel taken over by the council after it fell into disrepair, told the Ham and High newspaper: "I think I might be one of the first people to send bailiffs to the council. This is giving them a taste of their own medicine."
A Camden Council spokesman said it was "disputing" the amount owed.
He 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.”
