Newham Council Tax Reminder – Website Issues
Hi there,
Since moving into a property under Newham Council in April 2024, I’ve found it to be the most challenging council I’ve dealt with in London.
My main issue has been with Council Tax. Setting up a direct debit online has been impossible due to a constantly broken form, so I opted to pay manually each month. Naturally, I sometimes forget, which leads to larger payments when I do remember.
In February 2025, I received a text stating I needed to pay £764 to cover missed months. I promptly went to the website and made the full payment.
Fast forward to March 2025, and I get another text saying I need to make a payment within 5 working days to avoid a reminder notice. When I checked the website, it now indicates that I owe £1850!
This figure is baffling, especially since my council tax bill is £191 per month. I’ve been in this property for 11 months and created my account in August 2024—largely due to delays caused by their poor services.
To date, I’ve paid a total of £1600 in council tax, so I have no clue why I’m seeing this £1850 balance.
I attempted to call their contact centre, but the experience has been frustrating. The lines are always busy, and I get disconnected after the automated message saying “We are busy at the moment, please try again later.” I also tried submitting an online ticket, but I haven’t received any responses.
I’m at a loss for what to do next. I can’t understand the charges being applied to my account, and it’s nearly impossible to find someone to help address my concerns.
I’m really sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with Newham Council regarding your council tax. It sounds incredibly stressful, especially when you’re making efforts to stay on top of your payments. Here are a few suggestions that might help you resolve this situation:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your payments, including dates and amounts, as well as any correspondence you’ve had with the council. This will be helpful if you need to escalate your case.
Contact via Email: If the phone lines are too difficult to navigate, try reaching out through email. Sometimes, written communication can generate better responses. Look for the relevant contact email on the council’s website and explain your situation clearly.
In-Person Visit: If it’s feasible for you, consider visiting the council offices directly. Sometimes, being there in person can help resolve issues more quickly.
Social Media: Many councils are responsive to inquiries made through their social media platforms. Consider tweeting or messaging them on Facebook with your issue. Be sure to keep your personal information private.
Contact Your Local MP: If you’re still not getting any responses, you may want to contact your local Member of Parliament. They often can help constituents in difficult situations like yours.
Seek Advice: Organizations like Citizens Advice can offer support and guidance on council tax issues. They might be able to provide clarity on what you can do next.
Hopefully, one of these steps will help you clear up the confusion with your council tax. Best of luck, and don’t lose hope—many people face similar issues, and persistence usually pays off!