Stan labels council ‘petty’ over 8p bill

1:28pm Sunday 12th February 2006

An elderly widower who was sent three letters from Croydon Council demanding an outstanding council tax payment of eight pence has accused the local authority of being "petty".

Stan Smoker, 77, said he was stunned to receive the three notices between December and last week not least because postage cost more than the amount owed.

Widower Stan, who lives in Charlwood, Forestdale, with his brother, was so incensed about the letters he told his local MP Andrew Pelling about it.

The pensioner, who plays music and organises tea dances held in Addington Community Association's hall in Central Parade, said: "I was very surprised. I thought I'd finished paying my council tax bill in full in December but then I got a letter saying I owed eight pence.

"I thought it was a joke at first but then I got two more letters. I have paid it now but I thought it was a little bit petty to say the least.

"Why they couldn't just tack it on the next bill I don't know. They sent me three letters, all by second-class post. It doesn't make sense but I doubt I'm the only person this has happened to."

In response a Croydon Council spokesman said: "Mr Smoker's council tax benefit was reduced by the sum of eight pence per week from December 5.

"A revised bill the only reminder sent to him was despatched on December 7, taking his January payment from £26 to £27.25 and the council received that payment on January 3, leaving his account clear."

Andrew Pelling, MP for Croydon Central, said: "It seems to me that the Post Office has done the best out of this particular fiasco."