What I suspect is North East Lincs council's flawed Council Tax software has incorrectly allocated monies relating to the current year's liability to a previous year's account (an account in dispute) putting the current year's Council Tax in arrears.
A reminder notice was sent dated 13 October 2014 (received 16th October) from which I could immediately see what had caused the Council's automated system to throw a wobbler.
Two transactions were made on the same day (the sum of the two equalled my instalment amount). I assumed because the council's system didn't recognise the payment as it did not match the exact sum of the instalment amount it automatically allocated £60 to a previous year's account and what remained came off the current liability. Consequently there was a shortfall of £60 on this year's Council Tax.
Emailed the council on 16th October explaining what was likely to be the error and asked that they reallocate payment to this year's account and if there was another reason for the anomaly that they explain.
There was no reply (other than confirming receipt of email) and it didn't appear as if they'd addressed the issue and re-allocated funds to the proper account.
On checking the balance of my Council Tax today, it has increased by £60 (the council's standard summons costs).
This must be happening in all or most local authorities, and must amount to organised crime aided and abetted by Council Tax software developers.
I have not yet received a summons but no doubt it will be in the post.
EDIT:
Adding court costs in advance must be unlawful in itself?
A reminder notice was sent dated 13 October 2014 (received 16th October) from which I could immediately see what had caused the Council's automated system to throw a wobbler.
Two transactions were made on the same day (the sum of the two equalled my instalment amount). I assumed because the council's system didn't recognise the payment as it did not match the exact sum of the instalment amount it automatically allocated £60 to a previous year's account and what remained came off the current liability. Consequently there was a shortfall of £60 on this year's Council Tax.
Emailed the council on 16th October explaining what was likely to be the error and asked that they reallocate payment to this year's account and if there was another reason for the anomaly that they explain.
There was no reply (other than confirming receipt of email) and it didn't appear as if they'd addressed the issue and re-allocated funds to the proper account.
On checking the balance of my Council Tax today, it has increased by £60 (the council's standard summons costs).
This must be happening in all or most local authorities, and must amount to organised crime aided and abetted by Council Tax software developers.
I have not yet received a summons but no doubt it will be in the post.
EDIT:
Adding court costs in advance must be unlawful in itself?
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