THE Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) in Okehampton is encouraging residents to seek advice on their council tax bills after mistakes on 2,000 bills sent out by West Devon Borough Council.

The CAB has been receiving a large number of calls from ratepayers across West Devon because council tax bills have been sent out without any reference to relevant reductions. 

According to West Devon Borough Council, 2,000 incorrect bills have been sent out due to a technical problem at the council. Clients are unable to contact the support line given due to the high number of people trying to get through for advice. 

The letters show full council tax liability, and any reductions due to benefits have not been taken off the presented amount owed by the ratepayer, in particularly Pension Credit. 

A number of clients who have spoken to Citizen’s Advice have been made extremely anxious about this; they are living on low incomes and are suddenly very worried about money that might be owed. 

West Devon district manager for CAB, Viki Phillips, encouraged clients to seek advice from Citizens Advice should they need support.

She said: ‘As far as we understand it, new bills should be sent out in the next few weeks. We would like to reassure clients that if they still need help after receiving the new bill, they should contact us and we can help them with the issue.’

West Devon Citizens Advice offers drop in appointments from their offices in Okehampton (Ockment Centre) and Tavistock (Tavistock). For details of opening times visit www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk or call Adviceline on 03444 111 444