Local council owe me money - advice welcomed

MallowPhoto · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:40

My local council took an "over-payment" of my rent, and took an extra £350 out of my account this month without any warning. After a huge battle getting them to accept its not a legitimate charge, they're not being fourth-coming getting it back to me, they keep promising to call me back and let me know when/how its getting back to me. But they ultimately don't, no matter how many times I write, call or visit them.

Another council department also owes me money and promised to get it back to me 3 months ago. But no luck there either.

Any suggestions on how to get money back from them promptly? I doubt i'll be able to pay bills if they don't get money back to me soon which I've explained to them. Also recently had my credit card nicked and currently have no way of buying anything without getting money out of my account. Should i involve small claims court, or, hell, even a debt collection agency?

Anyone had any experience and can offer some advice?

Muzza1875 · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:56

Take a trip down to your local citizen advice bureau or advice shop and see what they have to say.it will prob cost you more if you try to reclaim your money with a debt collectors mate

spudbynight · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:58

Take off and nuke the council offices from orbit - it's the only way to be sure.

MallowPhoto · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:59

Muzza1875 said:
Take a trip down to your local citizen advice bureau or advice shop and see what they have to say.it will prob cost you more if you try to reclaim your money with a debt collectors mate

True enough. It just takes the ***. If I had taken money from them and didn't pay it back the day they needed it, I would get charged.

MallowPhoto · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:01

Muzza1875 said:
Take a trip down to your local citizen advice bureau or advice shop and see what they have to say.it will prob cost you more if you try to reclaim your money with a debt collectors mate

My kingdom for an Ion cannon!

scratch · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:03

How did they take the overpayment? Was it via Direct Debit? If so then claim it back under the DD guarantee. A workmate did the same thing a couple of months ago when the council took far too much for her council tax payment.

MallowPhoto · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:09

scratch said:
How did they take the overpayment? Was it via Direct Debit? If so then claim it back under the DD guarantee. A workmate did the same thing a couple of months ago when the council took far too much for her council tax payment.

Yeah, direct debit. In that case, I may give that ago. I take it you do that through your bank?

franco_22 · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:21

haha, this is why I used to always pay my council tax in the post office, like a ***** yeah but I don't trust them enough to give them my bank account :mad:

also, pay them a visit with your keyboard

scratch · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:22

Yep just give your bank a call, explain that the council took too much money from you and you'd like to claim it back under the Direct Debit guarantee, and you should have it back in your account within 24hrs.

Simples!

Mr Jack · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:27

How was it taken?

If by Direct Debit; you can phone your bank and state that you want it refunded under the Direct Debit Guarantee and they have to put it back then and there (but you must use the magic words!). The council will not be impressed by this though, since it costs them money.

Semple · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:30

Send the bailiffs round! Would be quite funny them bringing you back computers/other valuable items from a council owned building.

scratch · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:43

Mr Jack said:
How was it taken?

If by Direct Debit; you can phone your bank and state that you want it refunded under the Direct Debit Guarantee and they have to put it back then and there (but you must use the magic words!). The council will not be impressed by this though, since it costs them money.

There seems to be an echo in here, I've already said all this matey

BDEE · 28 Apr 2011 at 17:23

You may need to go into the branch to sign an indemnity, so best bet would be to pay the branch a visit....obviously will have to be Saturday now though.

Raumarik · 28 Apr 2011 at 17:25

Get your local councillor involved, keep everything in writing to prove you've involved him/her. You'd be surprised how quickly they can sort things out, they are there to help you after all.

The Deuce · 28 Apr 2011 at 18:42

dont forget to charge them £25 for every letter you send

Haggisman · 28 Apr 2011 at 18:59

Local council in incompetency shocker! (seriously do they ever get anything right?)

Hatter The Mad · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:44

Just file an online money claim for the amount you are owed plus the cost of filing the claim: https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

It'll be clean an easy once they get served papers

Honestly, just a case of filling an online form

MallowPhoto · 28 Apr 2011 at 19:50

I've spoken to my bank, and basically if the council don't pay up by end of business wednesday, they're going to do the direct debit guarantee thing and refund me.

Totally concur with The Deuce though - I was also thinking maybe £50 ph for my time?

And of course, interest... 80% too low? hehe