Council Tax problems

darkestangel30

I don't know if I'm posting this in the right place but here goes.

Bit of background. I'm a single mum of 3, unemployed and claiming benefits. I moved house and area in July and have nothing but problems with the council regarding council tax since.

I have 5 different bills/invoices and have emailed them so many times I'm beginning to give up all hope. I claim housing benefit and council tax benefit so I have no idea why they are still demanding money from me.

The first bill they sent was on 18/10/2010 for £495.71. I rang the council and was fobbed off by some snotty woman who said my reasons and arguments didn't matter and I should just pay! There are installments of £165.00 a month requested. I emailed them as soon as I got off the phone and was told very nicely the next day in writing that I was no liable and they would send me a revised bill out in the post.

On04/11/2010 I was sent a bill stating that I owe £0.00. I thought that would be the end of it. Apparently not.

On 17/11/2010 I was sent an invoice for £165.71 for non payment of installments. The installments that I complained about and was given a revised bill of £0.00 for. I emailed the council yet again. After a 2 weeks they replied and simply stated that I owed the money and should pay the installments.

On 09/12/2010 just a few days after they emailed me back I received a bill for £495.71 (the original amount in the first bill). I had already emailed the council explaining that I am claiming council tax benefit and cannot understand this. I also told them I had previously been given a revised bill of £0.00 and cannot afford the installments anyway, not this month, not any month. I haven't had a reply.

This morning, I presume it is an early christmas present, I received another invoice, this time for £330.71 for non payment of installments. I have told them that if the benefits section is not talking to recovery department then I want them to rectify the situation because this is putting undue pressure on me and I am very distressed.

Has anyone else ever had a problem like this? What can I do? It really is getting to be ridiculous. I have 3 kids to feed and other bills to pay. I'm already struggling and now my council are trying to get council tax twice! Someone help me!

Loraine.

dancingfairy

Hi -I presume that you are getting full council tax benefit and not part? Also that the council tax department are aware that you are the single adult living in the property?
I think you need to write a complaint letter to the head of council tax - it might be called the head of revenues or something - hopefully you can find this out. Send a COPY of all emails and bills they have sent you and get them to investigate and sort it all out - it does sound quite ridiculous from what you've said.
Ift hat fails then I guess you would complain to the head of the council or maybe there's an ombudsman?
You might alsofind it useful to get in contact with one of your local councillors as they can be quite useful in getting things sorted - most of them are aware that they are accountable to the public - I hope you get it sorted.
df