Our City Council reclaiming £6700 benefit paid to us - their miscalculation. Are we legally obliged to repay?

Question

legal question
housing benefit

Answer 1

S.99 Housing Benefit Regulations - if the alleged overpayment arose as a result of an office error on the part of the employees of the Council in the Housing Benefit office and you were not aware of that mistake or miscalculation then that money is NOT recoverable from you. You need to lodge an appeal against their determination and put the matter and circumstances to a Social Security Tribunal.

Answer 2

The deficit this year is less than expected and projection are mostly fantasy. Just look at previous administrations projections over the last 30 years and compare them to what actually happened, before you try to argue that they are for real. I take it to mean that it is the first move to ask for a tax increase when the economy recovers. It has been know for a long time that in two years we sill have to start drawing on the non existent social security trust fund to pay benefits instead of using payroll taxes to finances other spending, so a tax increase would be necessary. But no one can win an election with out promising tax cuts, so they have to find a reason to weasel out on their promises.

Answer 3

Yes,or a decision will eventually be made by the magistrates on the city councils behalf and you will be legally bound to pay the set amount payable each month or extracted from your wages.

Answer 4

I like your first answer, go for that.
If that falls through offer them pittance say £1 per month

Answer 5

Yes you are but you only have to pay as much as you can afford,so tell them how much you can pay back per month and they will be satisfied.

Answer 6

They will try and make you pay unless you can prove it was their fault.
see a solicitor.

Answer 7

'Fraid so. Unless you leave UK.....