Warning over council tax band scam

Companies have been targeting homes in areas of Leeds saying the firm can help people challenge their home's council tax band. One salesman quoted a fee of 165, claiming he could reduce the owner's council tax bill by around 2,000.

But last night Leeds City Council stressed people can easily find out if their council tax band is incorrect – for free.

While the practice is not illegal, the callers often claim that properties in the area have already had their council tax bandings lowered. A council tax band is used to work out how much council tax is paid for each property.

Anyone who thinks they have been put in the wrong council tax band can challenge the band- but only at certain times. To find out more, go the website at www.voa.gov.uk/council_tax

Steven Carey, the council's chief officer for revenues and benefits, said: "While there's nothing illegal about these calls , people may be fooled into thinking that they need to pay someone to see if they are in the wrong tax band."