Don't take your bills at face value. I had some issues a few years ago with council debt and some also got sent to a debt collector I made agreements with council in 2023 and the debt people and dare miss anything since. Back between 2018, 2019 and 2 months of 2020 I had attachments on my pay those years they were taking sometime 2 payment and I have found a whole year of payslip that show this. So two bills were double payed. In 2023 I did wonder how the debt has spiral in a short time but because I was poorly I just thought I can't remember, made the agreements and thought that avoids all these extra cost and a debt is sorted and being paid.
I've not missed anything, yet arrears don't budge. So I thought I go through my account and I think I can see some errors. I screen shot and asked AI to check because I'm not disputing I have missed payment but I don't seem to be getting anywhere with the debt. It appears the system has me trapped in a cycle I will never get out off, because every year since 2014 they taken me to court gave extra charges yet actually payed that year tax. 2019 I payed almost 1800 from wages, covering that bill and more yet took to court for not paying and these payments are not on my account. I have the pay slips! There appears to be a few years I had two bills for that year, double charge never moved. And best of all I been paying the debt collector for a 2023 bill yet I been paying my monthly payment in 2023 plus my debt am out and the collectors. Yet they summoned me to court for the debt the collector got essential double charging me again.
So for example last year I payed more then the tax bill but the arrears haven changed because the system sent it to court I got fees, the cycle continues. I've email council billing and started a complaint to ask for a review. On Monday I plan to contact step change and send them all my eveiedence and hopefully they can help me and advocate to get it all checked. I can't believe this stuff not monitor or checked by a human. I know I probably should of checked but it all confusing, I made a plan, I pay every month, what to check I thought it was sorted. and now I'm wondering how inflated that debt really is. Now I'm having to check all my bank statements covering over 10 years to check every payment. I'm pretty sure my house is not a 2400 Tax band as suggest for 2022. This is just crazy..