A COUNCIL has apologised for a blunder which saw residents charged council tax several days early over the festive period, leaving some of them overdrawn.

Wear Valley District Council's error saw several people go into the red when the money was accidentally withdrawn early.

A direct debit for council tax was due on January 1, but an administration worker pressed the wrong button, meaning that money came out of people's bank accounts on December 28 instead.

The error was quickly spotted and money was returned to all accounts a day later - but by then, around 80 residents had become overdrawn due to the unexpected charge.

In total, 29,200 properties pay council tax in the Wear Valley area, and 9,500 of them do so by direct debit.

The council has written to all residents who were affected, offering to refund any overdraft fees incurred. So far, 22 have replied and will be reimbursed for any losses.

A council spokesman said: "We understand that for some people, if they were close to their limit, it would have tipped them over the edge. We are happy to apologise publicly, and have also written to all of those customers."