Charges from DCA over an incorrect debt

jstw

Hi,

I'm posting to help out a friend so might not have all the details but basically,

My friend moved into a flat with her flatmate last year and registered with Edinburgh City Council as students so they should be exempt from the council tax charges.

Something along the line went wrong and the council billed them without the exemptions and as this wasn't paid it was passed to a DCA. The girls have got the council to take the debt back and cancel it as it was in error however the DCA still wanted payment for the charges (£160).

The problem is they have paid this charge (out of fear from the DCA) is there anyway this charge can be reclaimed or is it too late now?

If there's any other details let me know and I can try and find them out.

Thanks!

Tixy

Not too sure on this as its Scotland.

With regards to the debt collector - do you know if it was a debt collector or if it was a sheriff? As I have a feeling the answer could possibly be different if it was a sheriff and depending on how far the claim had gone.

I would suggest contacting national debtline scotland for their advice on this one (its free to call them) - this is a factsheet they have produced which is worth a read to understand the process although I don't think it actually answers your question. http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/scotland/factsheet.php?page=03_recovery_of_council_tax