tony de wonderful

I don't remember getting the initial bill, sometimes I think mail goes missing at the mail box in my flat. Anyway I got back from 6 weeks in Africa to see mail saying pay x amount or we will issue a summons. I immediately went online to pay in full. Now a few days later I get the summons saying I had to pay by the 5th (I paid on the 7th). So now I owe an extra £82 for the summons which is very annoying indeed.

Obviously by rights I need to pay this, and I will to avoid any credit worthiness issues, but what do you think the chances are that I can persuade the council to give it me back or anything? I think I'll send some emails with passport stamps and flight tickets and show I paid it as soon as I could.

dukeoffenland

Worth a try , I ended up paying jan - march twice last year , still waiting my refund ! Apparently will be knocked off my 14/15 bill

Pay it quick tho I used to work for the council if u don't sort it in a week or so bailiff comes

AndyBaker

I had a similar situation with a council in Leicester (I hadn't been in Africa for 6 weeks) but they were fine with removing the extra charge. Andy

RA Dunk

Tell them you've been out out the country working and isn't really your fault for not being on time.

BLU

iTrader: (27)

Set up a DD and it won't happen again!!

chopperman

Dealing with the council is as bad as dealing with the mafia. You wont get anywhere even if you're right. The only way to get them off your back is pay. I just write my complaints all over the voting slip come election time. Sure it doesn't serve any purpose other than make me feel better.

chopperman

What and give the council complete access you your bank account ?? Best way is to pay the first month which is normally the odd amount and then set up a standing order for the other months.

the shreksta

iTrader: (20)

this.....

Dingdongler

Why were you stupid enough to pay twice? You don't deserve a refund, it's your own fault and you have now wasted the council's time.

dpb

Set up a dd

Unless you're a pikey?

dukeoffenland

As I had 2 properties and registered as one as empty / uninhabitable but they hadn't processed the paperwork ! Not my fault

cster

I feel the love!

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

what bailiff comes without a court order? Or is this the rubbish you'd peddle to worried people a little behind with their bills?

dukeoffenland

I was in the property section , I only dealt with values but I know they didn't hang about

davegtt

Council are so relaxed as long as you give them something within a 3 month periods. Theyre the most flexible credit you can ask for.

chopperman

I say this with experience. BULL**** ! I have a suspicion you are actually being sarcastic tho ??

RICHARD J

iTrader: (4)

Bailiffs can't enter your house without permission anyway inspite of what they tell you, & they can't legally use force. Refuse to let them in & use your camera phone to record their actions, they soon clear off to their next job.

chopperman

Bailiff can only enter your home if you let them past the door. Once in they can lay claim to possessions within the home. They have no legal right to enter unless invited. They can how ever enter when you're not at home if you leave a window open provided they cause no damage. It is your right to refuse them entry (recommended) and shut the door in their face. If they turn up with the police dont worry. They are there purely to keep the peace and not to enforce their entry. In actual fact the bailiff have no power what so ever provided to deny them entry to the property. County court sheriff have a little more power like they can make claim to vehicles parked outside the property registered to the debtor.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Direct Debit. Problem solved. You must have known that it was going to be due whilst you were out of the country?

TV Licence, council tax, utilities are all paid by direct debit. I have never been over charged in the last 7 years.

tony de wonderful

No.

Muzza80

iTrader: (3)

What? You didn't think you would have to pay council tax for 6 weeks?

tony de wonderful

I normally pay the lump sum when I get the bill.

dpb

Would they be chasing for the whole amount then....


Hope you've claimed single person allowance

tony de wonderful

I am now.

Muzza80

iTrader: (3)

But that would have come out in April then, are you saying that you had not paid anything for this council tax year?

If that's the case then being out of the country for 6 weeks recently has little bearing, you were months overdue?

I don't see why you're miffed about the charge tbh mate, council tax is due April every year be that in whole payment or monthly from then, it's just something we all need to deal with but what I find hard to understand is that you never received a single reminder letter from them between April and when you left for Africa, I'm assuming 6 weeks ago(ish)?

Beastie

iTrader: (2)

My understanding was that you could pay council tax a maximum of 3 months in arrears.

I would do this if direct debit allowed it