Council tax blunder leaves residents seeing red

Council tax payments taken early by mistake have left some residents' bank accounts in the red, it is being claimed.

Direct debit payments to South Kesteven District Council were due to be taken on 1 August, but instead went out three days early on 29 July.

The authority apologised for the error and said it would ensure no customer was financially disadvantaged as a result.

Some residents have told the BBC the unexpected payment has made some people go overdrawn in their accounts, with one describing it as a "nightmare" for those who might be struggling at the end of the month.

Graeme Hull, from Bourne, said it came as "a bit of a shock".

"Obviously, we paid at the start of July and we assumed as the direct debit was set up for the first we wouldn't have to worry about anything coming out right at the end of the month," he said.

"It's about £250 a month, so that's almost £500 taken in one month - it's pretty steep."

He said he found out about the error through social media, and checked his bank.

"But I have elderly neighbours who don't have any access to internet banking," he said.

"My parents had no idea, so I checked and the same thing had happened to them.

"It's upsetting. It has affected so many people.

"I imagine for some people who are struggling at the end of the month it's a real nightmare."

Meanwhile, Mike Rickard, from Caythorpe, said he received a text message from his bank to say he had gone overdrawn as a result of the payment being taken early.

"It was surprising as I monitor my money very closely and make sure there is enough money in the bank to pay the various bills," he said.

"It's more of an annoyance. I suppose it's a bit of a black mark against my name with the bank."

Rickard said his daughter, who lives in Grantham, only found out after her card was declined in two shops due to the payment making her overdrawn on her account.

Rickard said he accepted that mistakes happen, but criticised the council for being slow to communicate the "cock up" and what it was doing to "rectify it".

Posting on social media, Reform councillor Kyle Abel said: "For people who budget carefully, this is not a minor technical error. It could mean an unexpected withdrawal, bank charges, missed payments and genuine distress.

"This is people's money – and this simply is not good enough."

Conservative councillor Paul Martin described it as a "serious error".

The council apologised and said it would ensure no customer was financially disadvantaged.

"For any customers experiencing financial difficulties as a result of this error, a Direct Debit indemnity scheme is in place to secure a refund through your bank," the authority said in a statement.

"Anyone who needs help making a claim can contact the council directly and officers will be available to help them through the process.

"Customers not adversely affected and who don't claim a refund can be reassured that no further council tax payment for August will be taken."

The council can be contacted on 01476 406080.

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