WARRINGTON Borough Council has re-issued a warning for residents to be on their guard against cold-calls about council tax bills following the arrest of a man as part of a trading standards investigation.
The arrest was made during a joint operation led by Trading Standards North West Scambusters, who were acting in response to complaints made against a company based in Bury, which claimed to be able to obtain council tax refunds for victims.
Following this operation, the council is promoting the advice to residents to help protect them against companies claiming that they can recoup hundreds of pounds in overpaid council tax, or have residents’ property re-valued to a lower council tax band – and charge big fees.
Cllr David Keane, the council’s lead member for environment and public protection, said: “This is an important message and we will keep promoting it so that our residents have the right information and advice to help protect them from this type of activity.
“One of the key things to remember is that you should not be paying any money for this service. It is easy and free of charge to request a re-banding of a property for the purposes of assessing council tax. The Valuation Office Agency deals with this and if you think your property needs revaluing you should contact them.
“Last year Warrington and Halton Trading Standards received 204 reports about this issue and we have advised residents accordingly. We also reported that thousands of pounds were saved thanks to our warning which was great news. Unfortunately we are aware that in 2013 more than £4,585 was also paid out and we are determined to bring this figure to £0.
“Sadly, it’s often the most vulnerable residents who get targeted for things like this so it’s important to talk to family and friends. Trading standards teams in Warrington and across the region are working hard with partners to tackle this issue and are sending a clear message that it will not be tolerated.”
Anyone who thinks their property is in the wrong council tax band, should contact the Valuation Office Agency in Liverpool on 03000 501501 or visit the website at www.voa.gov.uk
To report incidents of bogus callers ring the police on the new non-emergency number, 101 or the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 040506, which deals with calls for Warrington Trading Standards.
WARRINGTON Borough Council has re-issued a warning for residents to be
on their guard against cold-calls about council tax bills following the
arrest of a man as part of a trading standards investigation.
Warning over council tax scam
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
