A NORTH Yorkshire council is to reimburse residents who were hit with New Year bank charges after an error led to their council tax instalments being taken early.

The mistake by Ryedale District Council meant payments were taken from the bank accounts of residents who pay by direct debit on Monday, rather than the due date of January 2. Instalments are meant to be taken on the first day of the month.

The authority said the problem was caused by an “administrative error” and has “unreservedly” apologised.

A spokeswoman said anybody who has incurred bank charges as a direct result of the error should phone the council’s revenues and benefits services section on 01653 600666 extension 650 and advice would be given about how they will be repaid. The phone lines for this department will be open from 8.30am tomorrow.