10 replies to this topic

[Ian59]

Just looking for some input from you all. I pay my Council Tax on the 1st of every month by Bank Transfer and have done so for the last 3/4 years without any issues. Today I received a letter from the Council stating I was one month in arrears (hadn't received Nov' 18 payment). I checked my bank account on line and sure enough, on the 1st of Nov' I transferred the November payment to the council's sort code and account number (as I have done on many occasions). I called my bank and they also confirmed payment was made at 1840hrs on 1/11/2018 and was showing as 'Status Complete', which meant the payment had gone to the sort code/account details given. ,

Obviously i am going to contact the Council on Monday and explain this to them. Can they make me pay the outstanding amount (which means I will have paid November twice),  even though I can prove the money was paid in to their account. Could it be a glitch on their system and where do I stand with them ? Would like to know your thoughts   

 

Thanks.

Edited by Ian59, 24 November 2018 - 03:14 PM.

[C8RKH]

As long as you can provide proof of payment they cannot demand it a second time. In fact, I would be asking them for compensation for time wasted and the stress caused!

[Ian59]

As long as you can provide proof of payment they cannot demand it a second time. In fact, I would be asking them for compensation for time wasted and the stress caused!

Cheers for that. As in my post, I can prove payment was made and my bank is sending out a statement out to me with the payment showing. My wife's comment was "see them in court". The bank even confirmed the sort code and account number of the Council when I passed them over the phone.

Edited by Ian59, 24 November 2018 - 03:23 PM.

[C8RKH]

Your wife has the right idea and make sure you sue THEM for damages.

[alanwetherall]

Just be careful as missed payments even if its not your fault can effect your credit rating.

 

On one of my houses the mortgage company changed company and didn't let me know, a strange account appeared on my bank statements, I thought I was being scammed so put a stop on them. It turned out it was the new mortgage company sending notices to a totally different address. I now have a black mark on my file which I am fighting to have removed.

[C8RKH]

But this is not a missed payment - so IF the council have messed up and they put a black mark on the credit history then they have a duty to remove it too.  Big difference between missing a payment and the council screwing up.

[Ian59]

But this is not a missed payment - so IF the council have messed up and they put a black mark on the credit history then they have a duty to remove it too.  Big difference between missing a payment and the council screwing up.

Agree. I have proof I have paid them and the money was sent to the council's account, but the payment is not showing against my Council Tax payments. i would suggest it is the council's problem not mine. 

[JG]

You haven't  lost anything, so you don't have anything to claim for. 

 

Its a clerical mistake, if you are sure of your side, either do nothing, which would be my approach, or give them a quick call to get them to correct their records. 

[Ian59]

You haven't  lost anything, so you don't have anything to claim for. 

 

Its a clerical mistake, if you are sure of your side, either do nothing, which would be my approach, or give them a quick call to get them to correct their records. 

Not sure I understand about claiming for anything. But I will not do nothing as the letter only gives me 4 days to pay, or things will escalate. As pointed out in my original post, I plan to call them on Monday morning.

[FLD]

How did you get on?

[Ian59]

It was a council oversight. I rang them and explained that I had paid the council tax and they wanted proof, so I emailed  part of my statement covering the payment to them. I was told it would be invested and a decision would be forthcoming. About a couple of hours later I had a email from the investigation team stating my payment had gone in to their 'Suspense Account' (for some unknown reason) and not the correct one. They had overlooked it and not bothered looking for the payment and assumed I had not paid. All good now, but no apologies from them.