Council Tax Summons despite refund having been issued

dontfollowme

I can't get my head around this.

Situation is as follows: I lived with my partner in a rented flat for approx 7 months. We paid council tax which was discounted due to her student status. After the 7 months we moved out to different addresses. In November we were both issued with a refund for what we assumed was overpayment of council tax. Today I have recieved a court summons for council tax relating to the 7 months I was in the flat with my partner.

I have so far spoke to the council once which was a testing experience to say the least. I am now awaiting a call back from them.

The person I did speak to confirmed I am up to date with my payments since I have been living on my own. She would not agree with my logic that if there was an outstanding amount on the account then why issue a refund. It was a really frustrating phone call.

Are there any experts on council tax who can offer an insight?

olly300

To be honest I only deal with my council tax department in writing mainly because of people like this.

I understand your logic. The logic displayed by the woman is the same that Tiscali employ.

Have you got all your old council tax records including:
1. Copy of the old bill
2. Proof/statements showing how much you paid

If you have then do your own calculation to prove that you paid enough CT for the entire period. Then wait for the phone call to see what they say.

CIS

I suspect the refund was correct at the time but since then there has been some adjustment to the account which has led to the amount becoming due however you would have been issued with a bill, reminder etc before the summons. What do these say ?

If a refund has been made and then an adjustment has led to a balance becoming due then the council are able to take action with regards to this balance.

BARGAINHUNTER!

I agree to put everything in writing, including copies of any proof that you have and send it to them recorded delivery. And ask them to respond to you in writing. The problem with phone calls is that the answer you get sometimes depends on who answers the call!!

dontfollowme

The period in question is July to Nov 2009. This letter advising of the summons is the first time I've been made aware of any money owing. Whilst living with my partner, the DD for the council tax came from her account which I know she paid so I have no actual proof of payment. The letter detailing the summons is dated the 15h December 2010.

I have since phoned them again and got through to someone more on the ball. He and his colleague can't understand what has happened so its been passed to the "back office". The reminder went to my partner who called up and advised we'd received a refund to which the council agreed they had made an error.

Fortunately my partner has the name and number of who she dealt with so I am summoning the energy to give them another call.

Happy Christmas Everyone.