A COMPUTER blunder at Ealing Council has led to thousands of homeowners being billed an extra £5.6 million in council tax this month.

As a result of the glitch, around 35,000 people were charged twice their normal rate in 28 days.

This meant that for a standard band-D property which costs £160 a month in council tax, the amount taken by the council went well into the millions.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I only noticed it because I bank online and can check immediately.

"I normally pay £160 a month by direct debit. Then I saw on Monday that £153 had been taken out again. How many thousands of pounds have they taken? And how much interest will they make as a result?

"Each individual person will lose very little, but the council stand to make quite a lot of money from this."

The cash was taken out of 35,000 people's accounts on Monday.

Council leader cllr Jason Stacey said the mistake was rectified straight away, with the money put back on Tuesday.

But many people could face charges for going overdrawn. He said: "Although I did not push the button myself I take full responsibility.

"We have had 400 phone calls about this. Anyone who has had any bank charges as a result of this will be reimbursed by us.

"We cannot say how much that will be as yet but we are expecting it to be dozens rather than thousands.

"I offer unreserved apologies to all those affected."

Everyone who registered with the council from May, 1, 2005, and pays by direct debit suffered the charge.