I like the idea of filing an 'item not as described' on the council rates 
If you send the payment, you wont be able to make any claim...a claim can only be made if they send you a request for payment. If you choose to "SEND MONEY" via paypal, you relinquish any "buyer" protection.
"Buyer" protection for ebay is available because it is linked to the sale.
If you are paying via the council website, then they will have created an invoice and then such claims may be eligable...
But Paypal reserves the right to not provide such protection...you can be sure councils will be among the exempt.