Laura Sharman 15 December 2016

Council puts crying face emojis on council tax bills

A London Council has shocked residents after it included crying face emojis on an online council tax bill.

Due to a technical glitch, residents accessing their council tax statement on their smartphone were confronted with the image of a character crying floods of tears.

Resident Alice Jones posted a screen shot of the statement on Twitter:

Not sure about Lambeth's use of emojis on my council tax bill pic.twitter.com/OqGikwNQgZ
— Alice Jones (@alicevjones) December 13, 2016

A spokesman for the council said: 'The emojis appeared on council tax notices when accessed on iPhones, due to the way certain software interprets the coding.

'This was an error and it has now been rectified.'

#Social media

Analysis

Better Results, Smarter Spending: AllChild in Wigan

Wigan Council and AllChild are proving that long-term, community-driven programmes can improve outcomes for children while reducing pressure on local services and public spending. LocalGov finds out more.

Opinion

TPOs: The missing piece in insurers’ climate logic

Sarah Dodd, a local government lawyer specialising in tree law, highlights the missing piece in insurers’ approach when it comes to TPOs and felling trees.

Most Popular News

LGA slammed for failing to take its own advice

Government to pay off 90% of SEND deficits

Seven councils permitted to hike council tax above 5% cap

PM announces £800m Pride in Place expansion

Reform UK budget defeated

New Products

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Executive Director of Place and Customer

up to £179,404 per annum

Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

£100,731 to £104,625

You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester

Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.

The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)

Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Overview & Scrutiny Committee Member (Young Person Co-optee)

Volunteer role

Could you be the voice of young people in Oxfordshire? We’re looking for two young people aged 16–25 to join our Education and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee as co‑opted members. This is a voluntary, two‑year role running from June 2 Oxford

Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council