Front page of the local newspaper yesterday, a couple are being taken to court for overpaying a bill by 27 pence. Not that we are short of news but more a case of sheer disbelief.

A couple split their rates bill (a form of property tax which pays for garbage disposal and local amenities) and in so doing made an error and overpaid by 27 pence (about 35 cents US). They were told that the computer system couldn't cope with it and the cheques couldn't be accepted, they should write one for the correct amount. To post a letter, and therefore a cheque would cost 29p (2p MORE than the overpayment) so rather than spend additional money they told the Parish (local government office) to give the difference to charity. They were then told that if they didn't pay the correct sum of money the the matter would be placed in the hands of a debt collection firm, at the expense of the couple, and eventually if they still refused to comply they would be taken to court. The matter HAS been placed in the hands of debts collectors and charges are rising.

Can anyone top this for sheer stupidity?

Should the couple spend 29 pence to write a new cheque to reduce their total paid by 27 pence? What would you do in this situation?

The judge in the court concerned is a very sensible man, I rather suspect that he will throw it out of court should it get that far.

No, the date isn't 1st April.

This would never happen in America. Our government will take any money you send them. An they'll only tell you if you underpaid. They'll never say a word if you over pay.

I can`t top Sues story but once a month I get a bill from Telstra[telephone] that states that whilst I owe them 33 cents payment isn`t due till the next bill. I have been receiving the same bill for a little over a year now.

How much does the stamp cost for them to give you this news?

Would it be too silly to suggest the gov't simply credit them the 27p towards their next rates bill?

Lady C, this is , in fact , what all our Government departments do, and always did. So , if the Hong Kong Government, which was once the British Government, can do it....
Most people round their bills up, and get a credit in the next bill. Some departments say that you can opt to have the difference paid to charity.

"Would it be too silly to suggest the gov't simply credit them the 27p towards their next rates bill?"

That's what most people/organisations would do here in Oz.

Sue to send a normal letter a stamp costs 45 cents.

Hey 'roo - when did you last send a letter? It's been 50 cents for ages!

Actually Mothergoose I have never sent a letter in my life.Seriously never,I had to ask my wife how much a stamp costs! I guess I`m more of an emailer[and thats how I type email btw Sue] than a normal snail mailer.