Unauthorised Direct Debit for council tax.

Loop

We have had problems with council tax benefit, and I was told a few days ago our claim wascancelled (dont know why or how) and someone is coming out wednesday to do the forms again cos they messed up.

Anyway today they took £294 for council tax...they said they wrote to me on 14th feb (never got the letter) saying they were taking it by DD.

1. the last letter we got was saying £6 was outstanding till Apr 07.
2. We didnt even know we had given them DD details for council tax (they do have it for rent)
3. we are totally skint, but they are saying cos my account is showing it as owed its tough!

My point is because they cancelled the claim unknown to us, we dont actually OWE this money full stop, my partner been out of work! its an error as normally the benefit would pay it and has done for the last few months fine.

What can I do? Can I force the bank to get it back under the DD guarantee?

Please can someone offer some sound advice, cos im so upset, and really concerned as we cant live off nothing!!

Cheers

Lou xxx

christabell

I think a visit to the CAB or your MP would get this sorted out. Good Luck

Loop

Called my MP as they have been dealing with my problematic benfits for a few years now.

I had a call back from the call centre manager about it, his 1st words were

"we can do it but it will take 2 weeks"

SO I said "2 WEEKS!!! BLIMMIN HECK!!!"

He said well go ask your bank then...

I said Ok ok I will accept the 2 weeks wait, just get it done....

He said to me

"but we wont"

WHAT!?!?!? You wont?

Apparently they CAN but WONT :rotfl: :rotfl:

Did I hear that right???

looby75

contact your bank and get them to refund the money under the direct debit guarantee. Tell them you never authorised the payment and that the council didn't inform you that they were going to to take a payment and the bank should refund you and then claim it back off the council.

Loop

Well my PM has sent a letter to them demanding it back as we have no money at all now!

The letter says

"your officers appear to be refusing to help alleviate a crisis for this vunerable family, aprticularly as it appears it is a crisis brought about due to mistakes by council officers" and "ensure the money is returned to the account immdiately"

Well done that MP!! I haven't ever had such a demanding letter sent on my behalf by my MP they must be quite angry the council have done this in the 1st place.

Anyway, thought Id update so hopefully it will get sorted out asap...or we will be going to the grandparents for dinner!

Lou xx