BUNGLING council bosses have sent a tax reminder to a Trowbridge man demanding the immediate payment of just eight pence.

Tony Stevens, of Summerleaze, Trowbridge, received the council tax demand in November, giving him seven days to pay the arrears.

But he claims he is up-to-date with payments, calling the bill 'hilarious' but lambasted council bosses for wasting public money.

Mr Stevens said: "It must have cost the district council more money to print and send the letter than the 8p they are demanding from me.

"I think they are saying it is the outstanding amount from my last flat but I paid all my council tax when I left. If I send them the 8p it will cost more to pay for the stamp and envelope."

The district council tax reminder warns Mr Stevens that he could be asked to pay a fine on top of the eight pence if he does not make the payment.

After two reminders the district council can issue a court summons and in severe cases non-payment of council tax can result in a suspended jail sentence.

But West Wiltshire District Council has blamed a computer glitch. A spokesman said: "We have to bill over 55,000 homes in west Wiltshire and occasionally invoices such as this one slip through the net. It is highly unlikely an amount this small would end up in court if it was not paid."