Couple get 1p council tax demand

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A Devon couple who paid six months' council tax in advance have received an apology after getting a letter back saying the cheque was 1p short.

Geoff and Margaret Paddon, from North Tawton, thought they were doing West Devon Borough Council a favour.

But they got a reminder saying: "If you are unable to make this payment in full please contact the council office to make alternative arrangements."

The council blamed "human error" and has sent the couple a bunch of flowers.

We all had a good laugh in the post office, but really it isn't funny Margaret Paddon

Mrs Paddon told BBC News: "I think it's a ludicrous waste of money, with all the administration that's involved.

"We've been down to the post office to pay the penny because I'm worried that they are going to waste more money sending out a reminder.

"We all had a good laugh in the post office, but really it isn't funny when you think of the financial cost being incurred."

Tracey Winser, head of revenue and benefits for West Devon Borough Council, said: "It was human error.

"We should have sent out the bill saying it was for information purposes only, but we didn't do that."

She said procedures were being reviewed on the 35,000 bills the council sends out every year.