Death of grandparent…

LibbyL92

Hi, I have no idea if this is even the right place to post this. But really, really looking for some advice. 

Back in January my lovely nan died. My Grandad was her next of kin. So obviously everything was left to him (that was hers) 

they own their house together. 

We both attended the bank and closed one of her accounts down. (Told the tell us once service etc) 

I believe this is where the problem lies… 

my grandfather has been receiving letters in the post from the council tax saying he is behind on payments. Threatening court etc. and other companies (tv license etc) I believe the payments must of been coming out of my nans account and that’s why this has all gone a bit wrong. 

The council is Newham council. I have tried every single day for the last 2 months (longest on hold for 1 hour and 41 minutes) to try and speak to somebody about changing the direct debit so his payments can continue to roll on. It is impossible. We went to the town hall and was told to phone. Absolutely no help whatsoever. He is beside himself with worry. I work full time so a lot of the admin things are during my
Working Hours so I can’t help as much as I really want to. 

I’m worried about all of the others bills that could be bouncing because of this closed account. 

He isn’t literate with computers or technology, isn’t well himself and is in a very vulnerable position. 

I’m at a complete loss. Where do we go for help? 

With the council tax his numbers aren’t matching the records online so I can’t event get in online to amend anything. It’s honestly so stressful. I don’t know what to do? 

Is there any advice? This is all incredibly new to me and honestly, I’m rather clueless. 

Voyager2002

For the council tax, get hold of an elected councillor to sort out the problem.

LibbyL92

Voyager2002 said:

For the council tax, get hold of an elected councillor to sort out the problem.

So just google Newham elected councillor and email them to explain the above? 

la531983

LibbyL92 said:

Voyager2002 said:

For the council tax, get hold of an elected councillor to sort out the problem.

So just google Newham elected councillor and email them to explain the above? 

Not quite

https://mgov.newham.gov.uk/mgWardMap.aspx?z=1&VW=LIST&PIC=0

Work out which ward he is in and then email all three

Robin9

As part of sorting our the Council Tax ensure that he gets the 25% single person discount/

p00hsticks

the Tell us once service only deals with government departments - although the local council should have picked up on this and if the bill was previously in both of your grandparents names have sent a revised bill with a form to apply for single person discount (if applicable). It may be a new account number in his name only which is why you are finding that the numbers don't match. 

Things like the TV licence, utility bills etc, your grandfather (or you on his behalf) need to get in touch with each of them specifically - look for dedicated bereavement contacts, which many companies have - to get accounts switched to your grandfathers name and payments coming from his bank account. 

Is there any chance you can find bank statements from your grandmothers old account that was closed to get a list of the direct debits that were going out of it to get some idea of the companies that need to be contacted ? 

doodling

Hi,

An alternative approach with the council tax would be to write a letter - if your Grandad has a chequebook then you could also enclose a cheque for the arrears.

I second finding a bank statement (ideally a years worth) from  your Nan's old account so you can work out what other direct debits may also be being bounced.

Marcon

LibbyL92 said:

The council is Newham council. I have tried every single day for the last 2 months (longest on hold for 1 hour and 41 minutes) to try and speak to somebody about changing the direct debit so his payments can continue to roll on. It is impossible. We went to the town hall and was told to phone. Absolutely no help whatsoever. He is beside himself with worry. I work full time so a lot of the admin things are during my
Working Hours so I can’t help as much as I really want to. 

I’m worried about all of the others bills that could be bouncing because of this closed account. 

He isn’t literate with computers or technology, isn’t well himself and is in a very vulnerable position. 

I’m at a complete loss. Where do we go for help? 

With the council tax his numbers aren’t matching the records online so I can’t event get in online to amend anything. It’s honestly so stressful. I don’t know what to do? 

Is there any advice? This is all incredibly new to me and honestly, I’m rather clueless. 

See https://www.newham.gov.uk/council-tax/pay-council-tax-1/3 and use the online contact form (on his behalf), and click on 'something else'. You will be asked if you have a council tax number, but simply click 'no' and enter address details etc.

If you contact the bereavement team at your nan's bank and explain your concerns, they should be able to give you a list of direct debits/standing orders on her account.

madbadrob

LibbyL92 said:

Voyager2002 said:

For the council tax, get hold of an elected councillor to sort out the problem.

So just google Newham elected councillor and email them to explain the above? 

without wanting to get political if your new councillors are reform then you may have a problem.  The makority of the new reform coubncillors have no idea of what they are dpoing what their roles are etc so they are in a steep learning curve

LibbyL92

Marcon said:

LibbyL92 said:

The council is Newham council. I have tried every single day for the last 2 months (longest on hold for 1 hour and 41 minutes) to try and speak to somebody about changing the direct debit so his payments can continue to roll on. It is impossible. We went to the town hall and was told to phone. Absolutely no help whatsoever. He is beside himself with worry. I work full time so a lot of the admin things are during my
Working Hours so I can’t help as much as I really want to. 

I’m worried about all of the others bills that could be bouncing because of this closed account. 

He isn’t literate with computers or technology, isn’t well himself and is in a very vulnerable position. 

I’m at a complete loss. Where do we go for help? 

With the council tax his numbers aren’t matching the records online so I can’t event get in online to amend anything. It’s honestly so stressful. I don’t know what to do? 

Is there any advice? This is all incredibly new to me and honestly, I’m rather clueless. 

See https://www.newham.gov.uk/council-tax/pay-council-tax-1/3 and use the online contact form (on his behalf), and click on 'something else'. You will be asked if you have a council tax number, but simply click 'no' and enter address details etc.

If you contact the bereavement team at your nan's bank and explain your concerns, they should be able to give you a list of direct debits/standing orders on her account.

Thank you! I’ve emailed. Fingers crossed!!!!

LibbyL92

p00hsticks said:

the Tell us once service only deals with government departments - although the local council should have picked up on this and if the bill was previously in both of your grandparents names have sent a revised bill with a form to apply for single person discount (if applicable). It may be a new account number in his name only which is why you are finding that the numbers don't match. 

Things like the TV licence, utility bills etc, your grandfather (or you on his behalf) need to get in touch with each of them specifically - look for dedicated bereavement contacts, which many companies have - to get accounts switched to your grandfathers name and payments coming from his bank account. 

Is there any chance you can find bank statements from your grandmothers old account that was closed to get a list of the direct debits that were going out of it to get some idea of the companies that need to be contacted ? 

Thank you, 
I need to look through his paper work. I’m sure a new letter came shortly after she died. A letter about the reduction etc. his memory isn’t too great atm (another issue we’re having) 

but that would make complete sense as to why we can’t find his details online. 

I’m going to phone the bank and was with and see if they have access to her old statements. Surely they would?