‘Mistake’ sees hundreds of Horsham residents told they owe council tax

Hundreds of people in Horsham have been mistakenly sent letters telling them they are behind in their council tax payments.
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Many were left anxious and concerned after receiving the notices.

One said: “I can only imagine the distress and anxiety these letters must have caused many hard-up residents who, in spite of their straitened financial circumstances, are striving diligently to stay on top of their council tax payments.”

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He was worried when he was told that he owed £40 and telephoned Horsham District Council. He said he was reassured that he was, in fact, not in arrears and was told that around 300 letters had gone out to residents in error.

Horsham District Council has now apologised for the mistake and says it has taken steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

A spokesperson said: “We apologise for the confusion and anxiety that may have been caused recently to a relatively small number of our council tax payers by some incorrectly issued letters.

“We have carried out a full investigation and are now confident that our current records are correct and steps have been taken to ensure that this error does not occur again.

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“The majority of the letters issued were dated 15th and 16th January 2021 and would have been received between 18th and 22nd January 2021.

“Anyone who has received a letter at this time and is concerned about its content should please call 0808 164 8610 or email [email protected]