Triumph over Tragedy of Thurrock Tax payer

For almost a year Mr A, a Thurrock resident has been battling it out with the Council.

He had agreed a time to pay on his council tax and was making the payments steadily as he could. One month he mistakenly overpaid, by a couple of pounds, that was the beginning of his nightmare.

The council's computers seemed to be confused by the payment and did not attribute it to his outstanding bill.  The council then called in the bailiffs, who demanded the payments plus their fee.   They eventually paid him a visit, jumping over his fence and came in through the back door.  Voices were raised, the police were called, all to no avail.

Prompt calls to the council to call off the bailiffs fell on deaf ears.  He was devastated.  He was charged bailiff fees in addition to his outstanding debt which he had been gradually reducing.

I got a frantic call, and a subsequent email appealing for assistance.

In two days, he got a letter from the council admitting the error, waiving the bailiff fees and bringing the situation under control.

It could have so easily been resolved much earlier on, but he had to endure the stress and humiliation of bailiffs at his door, all because he overpaid.

It is mind boggling at times.