Residents across Wychavon have been dealt a festive financial blow as council payments are being prematurely taken from their accounts.

Council tax, business rates and housing benefit overpayments which were scheduled to be taken on January 1 are instead being withdrawn on Wednesday, December 29.

One homeowner even reported having their council tax taken as early as Christmas Eve.

Wychavon District Council has apologised to those effected by the blunder and blamed a direct debit 'error' for the issues.

It has also moved to reassure residents no one will be left out of pocket by the mishap.

Those who have been left with immediate financial difficulties or bank charges are instructed to contact Jayne Pickering, the deputy chief executive at Wychavon, on 01386 565400.

A spokesperson for the council said: "Due to a processing error, accounts that have been set up to take a direct debit payment on the 1st of the month are being debited early.

"Payments that were due to be taken on 1 January are instead being taken on Wednesday 29 December 2021.

"We are working with our bank to resolve the issue in the smoothest and swiftest way possible and are committed to ensuring that nobody is left out of pocket as a result of incurring bank fees or charges.

"We deeply apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If this is likely to cause you immediate financial difficulties or bank charges please contact Jayne Pickering, Deputy Chief Executive at Wychavon, on 01386 565400."