Got a Letter from Rossendales

[Delta]

Hi all, don't know if this should be in here or in the benefits section, but I got a letter from Rossendales today with regard to a supposed debt to the local council re overpayment of housing benefit.

Now as far as I knew I had paid back all the overpayment, and even if there was anything left, I haven't heard from them asking for this money in about 4 years.

The letter states that I have ignored requests for payment and that's why they are involved, and unless I make payment in full or come to a satisfactory agreement with 7 days they will take action against me.

So what do I do?

My first thoughts are to send a letter to R/dales telling them I don't acknowledge any debt to them and that I request further information with regard to this supposed debt.

I also thought that I should write to the benefits office at the council, and explain that I have had this letter, after 4 years of silence, and that I thought the debt had been paid and ask them to come some arrangment whereby I can pay them direct.

Would this be the best course of action?

[archer_66]

Re: Got a Letter from Rossendales

i think u should get in touch with the benefits office and ask what it was for and that you would like to know what money u owe and from where.then ask them to call off the DCA.say that u can pay them £5 a week of whatever it is you can afford.but only when u know where the moneys come from. ask for a statement so u can see the initial amount and all the payments u have made.

[iancognito]

Re: Got a Letter from Rossendales

If there is any doubt about the debt you should dispute it and ask for proof, I would deal directly with Rossendales and let them go back to the council for the info.

[WendyB]

Re: Got a Letter from Rossendales

Delta I'm with Jan on tnis one, have recently sent a letter to a DCA about hte same thing, I'll post a link if you want with the letter I sent.

[Delta]

Re: Got a Letter from Rossendales

Well I phoned the council and spoke to a really helpful person there, she went through my file and said that the overpyament had been so much and that I had been paying it off and then somehow it all stopped, but she does concede that it has been about 4 years since they last spoke to me about it, and the account has gone into a seperate 'classification' and that's why it got handed over the Rossendales. And as such I had to deal with R/dales.

So I phoned R/dales (yea I know, but I had to get this sorted) and they were very nice and have agreed a payment plan (£50 in the intrim, and then £10 a week from the end of the month), she is sending me the paperwork for a standing order.

I actually don't dispute the debt, and after the throrough talking with the helpful lady at the council, I am inclined to believe that I did stop paying as things were somewhat tight at the time financially.

[archer_66]

Re: Got a Letter from Rossendales

at least its sorted out though now one less headache!!