Over paid housing benefit

fagin101

Hi

I'm in the process of repaying some overpaid hb and they want to review my repayment plan and want to see my last two months bank statements which I'm a little reluctant to give, privacy laws, civil liberty etc, so are there any laws that I can state and say that they'll have to do with my personal financial statement?

My point is that I'm already paying what I can and feel a little stressed that they're bugging me for information I'd rather not give - and knowing the council they're quick to get solicitors involved and threatening demanding letter that only add more stress than I already have!

Thanks

poppasmurf_bewdley

You are under no obligation to provide the council with your bank statements. But on the other hand, they are under no obligation to accept the repayments you have offered.

It's swings and roundabouts. If you want them to accept what you say, you should be able to accept what they want.

Why are you frightened of them seeing your bank statements? One can only assume the reason for it!

pmlindyloo

Please be aware that the DWP can obtain this information themselves if you refuse to give it.

As means tested benefits come from the public 'purse' then they are checking that there are no fraudulent claims.

A link for you:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/30415/dwp-your-personal-information.pdf

Dovah_diva

We need to see bank account statements - you'd be surprised at how many people claim they have no money to pay a priority debt or overpayment, but have £100 going out to Sky each month, £100 in mobile phone bills, £100 for child savings...That's £300 available right there.

I'd be inclined to think that if a debtor was refusing to provide evidence of their finances, they have more money than are declaring to me. Therefore, I would increase the payments (I work in income recovery).

fagin101

Ok - thanks for all the replies - and in response to poppasmurf, I've nothing to hide as I think of myself a decent person etc, my only concern is that they'll squeeze me more than what I already, that and my civil liberty.

lighting_up_the_chalice

You are looking at this from the wrong angle. HB can reasonably assume that you are able to pay the full amount outstanding. It is for YOU to establish that you cannot. By providing evidence, you are doing YOURSELF a favour, not them.