Thread: Housing/council tax overpayment they want it back.

I'm not sure if they can visit your home without your permission, so my reply will BUMP your thread.

Hi
you could modify this letter to suit your needs,http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...ml#post1380478

Andy

Legally the fact that they sent you notification of what they thought your income was means you should have told them of their error. Very harsh but true.

If you refuse to be interviewed (twice) your hb/ctb can be cancelled. You could insist on being interviewed on your doorstep but this is not very private.

Is your daughter still living with you? If so she will need to get a letter from university stating when she went on to further education. If you don't provide this the council will have to assume that she is earning and will take the highest deduction for a non-dependant. If she provides this letter she is regarded as having 'nil' income so that carries on the same as when you were getting cb for her. If she has left your household this proof is not needed. The thing to watch out for is if she gets a summer job and is living with you as her wages will need to be declared and taken into account. I think this is inequitious but it is the law of the land.

£18 seems very high. Is it for hb and ctb? If just hb you could ask to pay back just over £9 a week (can't remember the precise figure).

These people are not from the fraud department. Part of their job (I know 'cos this is what I do) is to make sure that you are getting the correct amount of hb/ctb. I do appreciate that you are feeling nervous as a lot of people say this to me - and I'm far from frightening. Unfortunately taking the proofs to the office will not do. Would you feel better talking to a woman as you could request a female visitor?

All you need to have ready is your wtc/ctc award letter for 2008/9, payslips (either 2 monthly or 5 weekly up-to-date ones) 2 months of bank statements (which need to be no more than 2 months old) and proof of any other income or savings. Oh and you daughter's letter from university if that applies.

I do hope this has helped.

The bottom line is that her benefit can and will be cancelled if she refuses to be interviewed at her home/doorstep. I say again - they are not the fraud department.

Hi
Lancsgirl do you lhave a legal advice centre in your area, or CAB why not speak to them about your wish not to have a home visit, they may be of help.
In addition pop in to discuss concerns with your local councillor at their next surgery.

The letter you received from them saying when they want to visit would have the department they are from on it. Why are some us fixated on the dark corners? This poor lady has already stated that she gets nervous and really there is nothing to get this worked up about. Any council employee has to show proof that they are who they say before you allow them entry into your house. If getting in touch with her councillor will now put her mind at rest fine but talking about human rights etc does no one any good if your hb/ctc is stopped. Sometimes peoples circumstances change just at the time that the council are asked to visit (visits are requested by dwp normally) and it can be just a coincidence - this happens to me all the time.

By the way lancsgirl if your benefit is suspended while you are getting advice (they will send you a letter - it is a legal requirement) you still have 2 months from that date to get your benefit reinstated. I still suggest 'phoning them tomorrow as talking to a person might make you feel better.

I can't understand where this suggestion of it being the baliffs is coming from. The benefit is being repaid at £18 per week so there would be no reason for baliffs to be involved. The only person not involved in this thread right now is lancsgirl so I do hope you are not getting really frightened by all this. I say again - 'phone them tomorrow and if it makes you feel better - ask for a woman to visit you. You can even pick a day/time period that is convenient for you.