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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Council Tax error

I've been sent a retrospective bill for Council Tax owed last year, which doesn't take into account that my son was a full-time student - a fact I informed them about at the time.

Tried to phone the number given, but there's simply a message saying 'we're too busy to take your call, goodbye.' I've emailed them, but is it possible to actually go into an office and speak to someone? I want to pre-empt them taking the money out of my bank, as I have doubts whether I'll be able to get it back later.

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Permalink Reply by John D on February 25, 2017 at 7:36

It might be useful to look at the Local Government Ombudsman website - http://www.lgo.org.uk/

Permalink Reply by Maddy on March 7, 2017 at 13:18

I decided to write in anyway and send written evidence of my son having been a student last year. This morning the letter of evidence was returned to me in a brown envelope from the council with a comp slip but no further information. I'm even more confused, and still waiting to see if they take almost £180 out of my account next week which I don't actually owe them. Needless to say, getting through on the phone is still impossible.

Permalink Reply by Maddy on March 7, 2017 at 13:27

I was wondering if I can stop the direct debit before they take any money. 

Permalink Reply by Maddy on March 9, 2017 at 15:40

I've cancelled my direct debit for now, as I don't owe them any more money for this year. I will re-instate it once they have recalculated my bill.

Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon on March 15, 2017 at 10:50

Hi Anka

I'm delighted it got sorted out. The fact is though, that the delays and mistakes with housing benefit and council tax reduction are systemic problems. I have written to the Council's Interim Chief Executive, Zina Etheridge, pointing this out using another case as an illustration, and suggesting some potential ways to begin to tackle this.

The delays and miscalculations, along with a culture which seems reluctant to admit they might be at fault,  can lead, as we all know, to evictions, court summonses, liability orders and massive stress for individuals.  This is a very serious issue and one which needs urgent attention. I am sure I am not the only councillor who has dealt with cases like yours, and the Council needs to focus its attention and effort on sorting this. As I said  in my email to the CE, imagine if it was her home that was under threat. 

Best wishes

Zena

Zena Brabazon

Councillor, Harringay Ward

Permalink Reply by John McMullan on March 15, 2017 at 12:50

And you also have the stress of dealing with someone who has the same first name as you but spells it differently. How frustrating for you.

Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon on March 15, 2017 at 13:04

I know John

I'm managing to deal with the stress of it all!

Zena (with an e) 

Zena Brabazon

Cllr, Harringay Ward

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