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I received a council summons for unpaid council tax (with no final reminder) and duly paid the outstanding amount via the council automated service. I didn't however pay the £65 'costs' that was stated on the summons as I
1. Didn't believe I was liable to pay it
and
2. I wanted a detailed breakdown as to how this figure was reached
So I emailed them asking for a breakdown.
Surprise surprise the court date came (and still no reply from the council). I duly attended at the stated time, only to find that my name wasn't on the court list and all I had to do was to wait for a council representative. He came, I told him of the email (and showed him a copy of the government guidelines regarding council 'costs' and transparency) and he called the office to find out that the matter was in hand, and told me that I would receive a response within a week.
Lovely.
THE NEXT DAY I received an email with the supposed breakdown of costs (really?? A low level administrative assistant dealing with council tax paperwork <uuum that is actually dealt with by automated system/franking machines> is on a 30k salary???!! okaaaaaay) but anyway, along with the shambles of a breakdown, was the joyous news that they have also gifted me with a £30 liability order because the £65 'costs' (that I was waiting for a breakdown of FROM THEM) didn't arrive until the day after the supposed court date.
Should I expect bailiffs on my doorstep imminently? I am now going to contest these (imo) fabricated 'costs' but I am loathe to enter into a dialogue with the overlords without me being prepared about my case?
Any advice would be gratefully received and thank you in advance!
1. Didn't believe I was liable to pay it
and
2. I wanted a detailed breakdown as to how this figure was reached
So I emailed them asking for a breakdown.
Surprise surprise the court date came (and still no reply from the council). I duly attended at the stated time, only to find that my name wasn't on the court list and all I had to do was to wait for a council representative. He came, I told him of the email (and showed him a copy of the government guidelines regarding council 'costs' and transparency) and he called the office to find out that the matter was in hand, and told me that I would receive a response within a week.
Lovely.
THE NEXT DAY I received an email with the supposed breakdown of costs (really?? A low level administrative assistant dealing with council tax paperwork <uuum that is actually dealt with by automated system/franking machines> is on a 30k salary???!! okaaaaaay) but anyway, along with the shambles of a breakdown, was the joyous news that they have also gifted me with a £30 liability order because the £65 'costs' (that I was waiting for a breakdown of FROM THEM) didn't arrive until the day after the supposed court date.
Should I expect bailiffs on my doorstep imminently? I am now going to contest these (imo) fabricated 'costs' but I am loathe to enter into a dialogue with the overlords without me being prepared about my case?
Any advice would be gratefully received and thank you in advance!
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