Council tax threat over incorrect bill – for 1p

JULIE Spry, 53, was outraged to get two official letters to say her council tax was in arrears by 1p.

And Julie, who is fully up to date with her tax each month, was upset at the threat of “further recovery action” for the penny.

She said: “It is ridiculous - each letter must have cost several times the amount of the supposed debt to send.”

The Vale of Glamorgan council later apologised to Julie and blamed the problem on a computer software error.

Julie, of Barry, South Wales, pays £100 a month in council tax and was baffled to be told that her account could be in debit.

“I religiously pay my council tax every month,” she added. “I’m particular about my bills and I’m very sensible with my money. “How could I be a penny in arrears? “I tried to call the council on numerous occasions but couldn’t get through.

“I then got a second letter saying your arrangement has now been cancelled.

“It also said ‘unless your account is brought up to date further recovery action will be taken.’

“But what court in the land would look at this? They would be a laughing stock - just hysterical.”

A Vale council spokesman said: “We have sent Mrs Spry a letter of apology and would again like to express our regret at this unfortunate situation.

“It was down to a software error that has since been rectified and Mrs Spry’s account now reflects the correct position.

“As a result of this issue, we have reviewed our processes with the aim of ensuring such a mistake cannot be repeated.”