Thanks for the quick reply, but it did make me chuckle 'try to reason with them', this is the Council were talking about. Please excuse my cynicism of the council.

Today, I've received a count summons from the council... Background... I get paid on the 6th of the month, I have over the years called the council and asked to setup a direct debit for the 6th (i.e. pay day). They have refused and said the payment due date is the 1st of the month. Each month (for years now), I make a manual electronic payment on or after the 6th of the month. In this case (last month) I got the amount slightly wrong and was £20 in arrears. I did receive a notification letter from them, but thought I'll just add the £20 owed onto the amount next month. I made the full payment on Monday (yesterday), so no outstanding balance on the account. The summons was also dated yesterday. The Council has caused this problem by being really inflexible and not accepting my direct debit payment on the 6th of the month. I'm a little stressed by this all to be honest. Just wanted a view point on what I should do ? any advise ? Where do I stand with it ? I cannot afford to pay the full amount due, but have no problem paying the monthly dues. Thanks.