Thanks for the input guys. It is not my son's intention not to pay but to pay at a rate he can afford, thus my suggestion that cancelling the DD prevents the LA just taking the £400 he cannot afford. He can then pay in cash what he can afford. If the LA don't like it they can pursue it further. Quite frankly, I see the LA's unbending attitude quite unreasonable but unfortunately, as some one has already pointed out, the cards are stacked in their favour and at the end of the day it was my son's own silly fault for not informing them he had returned to work. Thanks once again.

Two years ago my son was off work for some time following an operation on his knee. With SSP as his only income he was awarded Council Tax Credit but foolishly never informed the LA that he had returned to work. Quite rightly they now want the overpayment refunding and have told my son his monthly payments will now be £400 to include recovering the overpayment as well as his CT for the current year. He has contacted them to say he cannot afford this amount but they are adamant that this must be his monthly payment. I have told him this is the usual intimidation tactic and to contact them again, in writing, with an offer he can afford and further, if they refuse his offer to cancel his Direct Debit and let them take him to court. For reasons better known to himself he is adamant that going to court is not an option, in which case I cannot see an alternative and he must take what's coming. Any suggestions?