Published: Tuesday, 22nd June 2021
The borough council is highlighting to residents that they can check their council tax band for free rather than agreeing to use an agent who will then take a percentage of any refund.
Cllr Sam Sandell, Cabinet member for People and Communities at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said: "We are aware of some companies operating in the area, particularly in Downham Market, offering to check resident’s council tax bands and contact the Valuation Office to try and get their band lowered. They then take a percentage of any refund, in some cases up to 35%."
"Some companies may also be finding properties where the band has already been changed by the Valuation Office but we haven’t yet paid the refund. If you then sign up they will also claim a percentage of your refund for not doing anything."
It is free to check your council tax band here gov.uk/council-tax-bands and it is easy to do.
Cllr Sandell added: "It takes two clicks and you can see your band and compare it to your neighbours’ bands. If you have a query you can ring the Valuation Office on the number on screen, or a couple more clicks takes you through a quick questionnaire and you can then access the online form to make a formal challenge against your band."
You can also check if your band has already been changed on the Valuation Office website, or you can call the borough council on 01553 616200.
We would advise you think carefully before agreeing to pay anyone to review your council tax band, and to be fully aware of how much it could cost you before going ahead.