Can I claim compensation for the Council taking �260 incorrectly taken out of my acct by dd?

[staffordshir]

My local council has continued to take money out of my account for 4 months when I have notified them I have moved property. I finally got through to the complaints dept who have now issued my refund but takes 28 days and then it arrives as a cheque so another 5 days to clear. they said it was impossible to issue this any earlier or compensate me for the inconvenience. Is there anything else I can do?

[MustafaTickl]

Yes. Grow up and grow out of such nonsense.

[staffordshir]

Not very helpful - do you work for the council?

[dzug]

You should have taken action at the very latest after the first month by cancelling your direct debit and not let it slide so long.

You could have a go at your local Councillor - might do some good

[PaulYukochan]

It is a good idea to cancel direct debits on your end when you no longer need to make a payment. THe council did not actively go into your account to take money, the payment would have been automatic. Direct Debits are instructions to your bank from YOU to make a payment to a certain payee. It is your responsibility to manage them. I doubt the council will feel the need to compensate you.

[buildersmate]

No, Direct Debits aren't that. They are an authorisation from you to your bank that, in the event that XYZ comes asking for some money, they will pay it. The exact amounts and the requests come from the organisation requiring to be paid.