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Bristol City Council Spends £198,000 on Letters After Council Tax Typo

The law required a clarification to 239,143 households, with no change to the amounts owed.

Overview

  • The initial bills switched the precept percentages, listing 5.9% for the Police and Crime Commissioner and 5% for the Avon Fire Authority the wrong way round.
  • The council sent 239,143 clarification letters in October, with print and postage costs totaling £198,000 according to an official statement.
  • The error did not affect the total council tax payable by any household.
  • Officials said legislation required notifying bill recipients in writing about the typographical mistake.
  • Councillors Don Alexander and Nicholas Coombes sought details at a 4 November member forum as residents questioned the reliance on postal mail over email and the proportionality of the expense.