Bailiffs target debt-free woman

Edith Henshaw's son contacted the council

An 81-year-old pensioner who has never been in debt is recovering after being told bailiffs were coming to claim goods as unpaid council tax payment.

Edith Henshaw's son John contacted Broxtowe Borough Council, which said there had been a mix-up over postcodes.

Apologies were sent by the bailiffs and the council but Mrs Henshaw received another letter last Saturday telling her she owed more than £1,000.

The council and bailiffs sent flowers and another apology on Saturday.

Mrs Henshaw received the first letter, asking for £600, around three months ago.

Not reassured

She said: "I just broke down crying. I don't go into debt anyway. If I can't pay for anything I won't have it. I like to save up and pay cash."

The subsequent apologies have not reassured her.

"I'm not confident, because it's happened twice, you see. And they always say things happen three times, don't they?

"But I'm just hoping it doesn't happen again because I don't think I could take it if it happened."

Rob Westwood, assistant director of finance at the council, said: "The first thing I have to say is sorry to Mrs Henshaw for any upset that has been caused by this incident.

"The issue relates to a mix up over two similar addresses that our records incorrectly showed as having the same post code.

"The bailiff's computer system automatically populates address details from postcodes.

"This meant that when we passed instructions to them the council tax defaulters were associated with Mrs Henshaw's address."