Overview
The complaint concerned the way in which the Highland Council (the Council) handled the complainant's Council Tax.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Council sent her confusing and contradictory correspondence (upheld);
- (b) the Council refused her request to pay by equal instalments spread over 12months (not upheld);
- (c) the complainant failed to receive an amended bill dated 25May 2005 nor a reminder notice dated 24August 2005 (not upheld);
- (d) the complainant paid all the sums required of her but further payments were demanded (not upheld); and
- (e) the Council still owe the complainant £314.91 (not upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council make an apology to the complainant for the shortcomings identified, reinforced by a payment of £100.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.