Pilgrims' Patter

The Forum => The B-Ark => Topic started by: green hats mate on November 12, 2012, 08:24:20 PM

Title: O/T Council tax
Post by: green hats mate on November 12, 2012, 08:24:20 PM
Recently a relative got a council tax demand out of the blue for alleged arrears of £640
It took the council 3months to clarify this was a error , in which time they send 3 letters threatening a £47 penalty if not paid .
Today a 74 year old lady phoned me in a distressed state saying a C/Tax demand for alleged arrears of £240 had arrived through the post .   She contacted the council who later admitted is was a error .
Anyone else know of anyone having similar demands ?
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: leicester pilgrim on November 13, 2012, 06:36:34 PM

There is a certain inevitability about this kind of story. The level of cuts that are being imposed on local authorities by central government translates into public sector workers losing their jobs, and others then have to take on additional responsibilities in areas where they're perhaps unfamiliar and less experienced. Mistakes will happen more frequently. That doesn't make it right. But it doesn't necessarily mean it's the council's fault.
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: green hats mate on November 13, 2012, 07:13:08 PM
True LP , but thats little comfort to the pensioner who recieves the bill .
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: kingofnaves on November 13, 2012, 07:37:17 PM
Blame the computer was the old excuse!
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Fairfax on November 13, 2012, 07:52:43 PM
As a computer specialist of more than 40 years I can tell you that a computer will never make a mistake. If something's wrong then it's in the program, so it the programmer who has made the mistake. The computer is a dumb beast. It does exactly what it is told to do.
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: green hats mate on November 13, 2012, 08:03:58 PM
According to the lady at the council offices she never makes a mistake !!!!!
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: kingofnaves on November 13, 2012, 10:12:51 PM
It must be the councils fault LP! Who else can you blame?
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Myleftfoot on November 14, 2012, 06:17:25 PM
It must be the councils fault LP! Who else can you blame?


Well you could always look for a solution?  ;D
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: York Street Pilgrim on November 14, 2012, 07:18:38 PM
It must be the councils fault LP! Who else can you blame?

Don't you normally blame the fitness coach?
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: green hats mate on November 14, 2012, 07:35:21 PM
  Just had a letter hand delivered by his staff from Richard Harbord C/E . In my meeting with him he promised this letter for last Friday .  In a chasing phone call to his PA earlier this week she explained the delay was because due to him "having a crisis".
He failed to show any remorse for the 3 months of distress caused and the fact the C/T payer had to lose a days holiday to attend meeting .  
He offered no explanation why his staff acted at such imcompertent level and more disturbing failed to heed MLF suggestion of "finding a solution "
Hopefully the Local Government Ombudsman will give him guidence in the near future .
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Myleftfoot on November 14, 2012, 09:28:11 PM
 Just had a letter hand delivered by his staff from Richard Harbord C/E . In my meeting with him he promised this letter for last Friday .  In a chasing phone call to his PA earlier this week she explained the delay was because due to him "having a crisis".
He failed to show any remorse for the 3 months of distress caused and the fact the C/T payer had to lose a days holiday to attend meeting .  
He offered no explanation why his staff acted at such imcompertent level and more disturbing failed to heed MLF suggestion of "finding a solution "
Hopefully the Local Government Ombudsman will give him guidence in the near future .


Sorry GHM. Though actually I didn't suggest that to him! I'm not surprised about the "remorse" element. This is subjective and frankly it seems he did not commit the alleged act. Perhaps regret on his part may be appropriate, should he consider it so? Of course we, the audience, are not privy to the full facts, therefore it's best to avoid drawing conclusions?  I don't know, public service is a difficult arena.  :)
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Myleftfoot on November 14, 2012, 09:32:42 PM
It must be the councils fault LP! Who else can you blame?

Don't you normally blame the fitness coach?


NICE!  ;D
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: kingofnaves on November 15, 2012, 05:56:20 AM
MyLeftFoot you should get a job at the council! They need intelligent people like you.
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Myleftfoot on November 15, 2012, 04:52:57 PM
MyLeftFoot you should get a job at the council! They need intelligent people like you.


Aahhhh.......... the nicest thing you've said to me, thanks.   ;)
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: kingofnaves on November 15, 2012, 05:13:56 PM
I would gladly tip you at Xmas when you empty my green bin.
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Myleftfoot on November 15, 2012, 05:46:37 PM
I would gladly tip you at Xmas when you empty my green bin.


KON, C'mon now don't be like that. You know what it's like being on your feet day in day out.  ;) I'm exhausted today, all that recycling!  ;D
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Myleftfoot on November 15, 2012, 08:35:31 PM
C'mon K give us a reply, you've been staring at it for ages!  :bunny
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Ed Kandi on November 15, 2012, 11:19:22 PM
   In a chasing phone call to his PA earlier this week she explained the delay was because due to him "having a crisis".

He's having a crisis alright  :dan
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: Ed Kandi on November 17, 2012, 07:07:33 AM
O/T and totally unrelated to any of the above...does anyone know what sort of influence Freemasonry has at
this level?
pm me if you like  8)
Title: Re: O/T Council tax
Post by: green hats mate on November 17, 2012, 10:15:28 AM
Seeing SL threat on potential bulk buying of energy reminds me of my appointment with Richard Harbord C/E.    Due to a "misunderstanding" between the C/E and the receptionist Mr Harbord was 15mins late for my appointment .
 Did I complain ?  No .
On a cold day it is pleasant for a pensioner with large energy bills to sit in the MUNICIPAL buildings reception area enjoying a degree of warmth that excedes what one could afford in ones  own home .   
Nit picking,  this experience was slightly  spoiled by a member of staff complaining to a colleague for having to remove a item of clothing due to the heat .