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

What the new cross-border placement rules in Scotland mean

In this expert analysis, Ellen Bond, MFMac’s Family Law team, outlines what the new Cross-border Placement of Children Regulations 2026 will mean for councils.

Most Popular News

Four in 10 of England’s councils to require bail outs

Experts' 'concern' over LGR decision-making

Councils prepare for political turmoil

'Social care reform caught in political catch-22,' report finds

'Widespread lack of understanding' to blame for key worker oversight

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

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

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

Administration Officer

Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata

WHATS INVOLVED A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a temporary Administration Officer. You will provide a comprehensive, robust adminis Spennymoor