BCP Council has apologised for “any distress caused” after their handling of a Bournemouth man’s estate was criticised by his son.

The authority has backtracked its decision to withhold part of Graham Linington’s estate to his son Tim, following a lengthy complaint process.

Tim Linington previously told the Daily Echo “shame on BCP Council” after the authority refused to pay his late father’s tax refund of £65 unless he produced a Letter of Administration, which costs £255.

Mr Linington submitted a formal complaint appeal which was rejected.

Following a second appeal and Echo coverage, BCP Council has agreed to refund the money into the late Mr Linington’s estate.

A council spokesperson said: “Following the second stage of our complaint’s procedure, the decision to refund the money to Mr Linington without the need for a Letter of Administration was made.

“We apologise for any distress caused to Mr Linington while we went through our usual procedures to determine a satisfactory outcome.

“It is council policy to have Probate or Letters of Administration in order to deal with someone’s estate and we will continue to deal with each enquiry on a case-by-case basis.”

Great-grandfather Graham Linington died of cancer in July without a will. A Bournemouth resident for more than 20 years, the Royal Navy veteran previously worked for Dorset Council as a minibus driver for the elderly.

His son Tim Linington said: “I’m glad I pursued this because it wasn’t right. Spending £255 to recognise me as dad’s next of kin for the sake of £65 was ridiculous.

“It’s a shame they couldn't have just done the right thing in the first place rather than wasting my and their time battling over £65 for two and a half months. I do hope this closes the matter.”

Tim previously said that the battle was “never about the money” but rather the “principle” of the situation.

“I’m glad I did pursue it and it shows anyone must do so,” said Tim. “Hopefully, they will reconsider their policy and approach in dealing with families in the future.”

Prior to receiving the refund, he urged BCP Council to donate the money to Cancer Research if they would not release it to him.

More than £330 has been raised in honour of Graham Linington. Visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/in-memory-of-graham-george-linington for more information.