 Overpayment help please
A workmate has asked me to look for advice with a problem with council tax/housing benefit overpayment. about 6 years ago he rented a flat and claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit. this he was awarded and it was paid directly to his landlord. He left the flat after only six weeks (this was after the break up of a long term relationship), He left the UK to work in Spain returning after a year or so, Before he left he telephoned the council to stop the claim. on his return he was chased by 1st the council and then a DCA using the usual strong-arm intimidating tactics, claiming they were owed the money in overpayments. after 6 (yes six) years, the Council has finally agreed that he owes them no money, and it is the landlord who owes it, as the benefits were paid directly to him, but he has moved on in the intervening period. The council have apologised in writing for their error. Now my friend would like to know, can he sue or ask for compensation for the worry and stress caused, to say nothing of any damage cause to his credit rating from either the DCA or the council? | 
