Hi all
Im a newbie, although I have been 'lurking' on the site for info for several weeks now - long enough to know that Rossendales who I am trying to deal with are thought of as the 'organisation from hell'
I have acculmalated debts over two council tax years , for two separate properties and very foolishly adopted an 'ostrich head in sand approach' until July this year when I began making payments in full each time to Rossendales. No sooner had I made a payment , another demand appeared and it seems like Rossendales ( with or without council compliance??)we're deliberately keeping them separate so as to attach more charges.
Last week, I paid off the full amount for one address , asked if I was now clear(yes) and then contacted the Council directly to pay the outstanding amount on the other address. The Council refused to accept payment even though I offered it in full via Bankcard & said I would have to contact Rossendales. I explained that Rossendales did not have this debt showing , asked to speak to a manager (refused) and insisted I must go through Rossendales. Low and behold just a few hours later up pops this outstanding debt on Rossendales. I resigned myself to yet another additional charge and paid via their Internet account facility - account shown cleared in full.
I then receive another bunch of automated phone calls from Rossendales, get passed from pillar post on an expensive 0845 no - to be told I have yet another debt. Having paid the CURRENT council tax year for that address so I'm now up to date, I now have another charge covering the subsequent two months Feb/March 2013 of £533.26 - most of this is enforecement fees.
My main point is that despite my belatedly offering to pay, neither the Council or Rossendales looked at the debts as a whole or gave me the opportunity to pay or plan to pay as a whole. It really does seem like a deliberate attempt to maximise compliance/enforcement fees.
Neither the Council or Rossendales are prepared to discuss any of the above points with me. I intend to write a complaint to both parties , with copy to my local councillor. Any advice on best approach or points to make gratefully received ( phew..... That felt like writing 'War & Peace' sorry for the overlong saga)
Im a newbie, although I have been 'lurking' on the site for info for several weeks now - long enough to know that Rossendales who I am trying to deal with are thought of as the 'organisation from hell'
I have acculmalated debts over two council tax years , for two separate properties and very foolishly adopted an 'ostrich head in sand approach' until July this year when I began making payments in full each time to Rossendales. No sooner had I made a payment , another demand appeared and it seems like Rossendales ( with or without council compliance??)we're deliberately keeping them separate so as to attach more charges.
Last week, I paid off the full amount for one address , asked if I was now clear(yes) and then contacted the Council directly to pay the outstanding amount on the other address. The Council refused to accept payment even though I offered it in full via Bankcard & said I would have to contact Rossendales. I explained that Rossendales did not have this debt showing , asked to speak to a manager (refused) and insisted I must go through Rossendales. Low and behold just a few hours later up pops this outstanding debt on Rossendales. I resigned myself to yet another additional charge and paid via their Internet account facility - account shown cleared in full.
I then receive another bunch of automated phone calls from Rossendales, get passed from pillar post on an expensive 0845 no - to be told I have yet another debt. Having paid the CURRENT council tax year for that address so I'm now up to date, I now have another charge covering the subsequent two months Feb/March 2013 of £533.26 - most of this is enforecement fees.
My main point is that despite my belatedly offering to pay, neither the Council or Rossendales looked at the debts as a whole or gave me the opportunity to pay or plan to pay as a whole. It really does seem like a deliberate attempt to maximise compliance/enforcement fees.
Neither the Council or Rossendales are prepared to discuss any of the above points with me. I intend to write a complaint to both parties , with copy to my local councillor. Any advice on best approach or points to make gratefully received ( phew..... That felt like writing 'War & Peace' sorry for the overlong saga)
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