ordinary civil bill from county council

M

Mary11

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Received a ordinary civil bill from county council for works . I have asked for the invoice for the details of works from the contractor with the correct amount but I only got a created invoice from council even though council did not do any works . I have pointed out the amount is incorrect I don't owe same but have been ignored as yet
 
Well they have taken the decision to go to court so they are likely to ignore any correspondence at this stage.

I think you have two options, pay what you think is due with a strong letter saying that you will defend any action for the balance, look for your costs etc. Pay in the form of a cheque and say that it is offered in full settlement. If they cash the cheque you have an argument that they accepted that as full settlement.

Or pay nothing, on the basis that they are trying to overcharge you and put up your defence in court.

While generally paying something to people who take you to court only encourages them, in this case perhaps if part of what they have sought is due perhaps you should pay as much as you think is due.
 
Who employed the contractor, you or the council. And if it was the council, how do you know what the 'right' amount is?
 
I dont know the exact amount but I do know it is not correct because the council employed the same contractor to do work on adjoining house with mine at the same time . The contractors spent 4 days in the other house and approx half a day in my house and there is a bill of only a couple of hundred in the difference and much less works and material in my house I now feel I am paying towards another persons bill with the council . I am only asking the council to let me see the contractors bill of works
I thought it was wrong to go into court without proof of the bill from the contractor
 
Who the council hired and who much they paid is their business and I don't see why you'd expect to have access to their business affairs. Do you expect everyone you do business with to give you details of their business dealings - how much it cost them to make or supply the goods and services they provide you with?

Unless the invoice is not in line with how the council is supposed calculate such invoices or is not inline with what you agreed with them, then I doubt you'll get very far. But best talk to a solicitor.
 
Mary,

The Civil Bill cannot be the first communication you had from Council. You must have had other correspondence. Bottom line now is that you must face the judge. if you lose, you also pay the Council costs. You now need a solicitor to deal with the case and to try to come to some agreement with Council if you want to prevent a judgement against you.
 
No Jim2007 I do not need to know details of any ones business I just wanted to see the invoice the council say I owe I thought I have the right to know what I am paying for as I'm sure you would ask for details before you would hand out money without same but maybe you do not mind paying if you are asked for money you would just give it . Especially if you are fully aware that you are paying for another persons work
 
The council are not likely to have billed you incorrectly, they are however likely to be able to justify the bill.

Defend it if you earnestly believe it is totally wrong, write to the council outlining your willingness to pay the correct amount and skin for a meeting to discuss your concerns as outlined in your posts.

By the signs of what you gave disclosed this has dragged on a while.
 
Council have agreed to look at the original contractors bill to detail the work done for me to seperate work done for the other person , council have now agreed there was more work carried out in the other persons house
 
Well done, but you still have strict timelines re the Civil Bill for entering appearance, raising particulars and filing Defence. If you do not enter appearance within a specified time, they can seek judgement for the amount. You still need a solicitor to advise.
 
Thanks Ravima , I have entered appearance so have met the specified times . I have received new information that would be of benefit to me can I add to the defence . how do I go about same

Thanks in advance
 
"how do I go about same "

If you have to ask, you need to appoint a solicitor to represent you.

mf
 
Also, at this stage should Mary11 not be serving a Notice for Further and Better Particulars to include a request for details of the relevant documentation about quantum.

BTW Mary11 even though you have entered an appearance you still have other time limits to watch. In due course you will be required to file a defence. Fail to do so in time and the plaintiffs can seek a judgment in default of a defence being filed.

+1 mf1 - you really do need a solicitor to both represent you and thus protect your interests as otherwise this will turn in to an unfair contest...........
 
I have offered a payment plan with the council but they have refused , the council wants the full amount only if not paid they want to go to court
 
Mary11 said:
I have offered a payment plan with the council but they have refused , the council wants the full amount only if not paid they want to go to court
Click to expand...

It is often foolish to make a payment against a disputed amount.
 
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