When I moved to Accy at the beginning of the year, I tried many times to inform HBC that I had moved into the area and wished to pay my council tax. Each time I phoned I went through the usual option 1/2/3 business, then asked to wait only to be finally told by a recorded voice that the computers were down and to phone next Monday/tomorrow etc etc.
This went on for several weeks until finally.......I got through to a human being!!! I explained the situation and the fact that I wished to pay some money
only to be told that she can't take details as the computer "is down!" The next thing I know, a threatening demand for council tax is posted through my door addressed to me personally even though I had been unable to give them any details about myself, and to make it worse, they "assume" that I have a family and charge me as such even though I only share my house with my dog. They eventually sent me a form for me to declare that I was living on my own
BUT IT IS NOT BACK-DATABLE! so I have to pay a few months at the family rate
The whole system in this area needs attending to as it is so out of date. I know I harp on about the south but down there, I would go into the council offices, be seen by an officer within 15 minutes without an appointment and my circumstances put on the computer in front of me and any problems solved!!