I moved out of my flat in Bromley on 1st August. I informed all the relevant parties, including the local council. I was fairly sure my council tax was in credit, wasn't sure by how much exactly.

Yesterday I get a letter from them with the details of my closing account - dated 21st August - informing me my council tax account is £259.06 in credit (not a trifling amount, about $430 for my American friends) and I should write or email if I want a refund.

I sent them an email today requesting a refund and received an automated reply saying my message would be dealt with within ten working days.


First of all, why do I have to write or email to get a refund? Secondly, why did it take them three weeks to write to me and why does it take ten working days for them to read my email? I can guarantee if I didn't pay my council tax on time it wouldn't take them nearly as long to start threatening me with court action.

Interest.

Might seem trivial to hold on to your £260 for a few weeks, but it all adds up.

I would certainly love bureaucracy that ends up with a refund in my favor, thank you sir!

Ah... the 1st world. But yes, bureaucracy always works against you, not the agent establishing said bureaucracy, that's why it is able to exist in the first place.

If it makes you feel any better, it took me 4 years to get a tax return.

I think you need a form 27B-6

And here is the receipt for the receipt of your husband.