MARTIN Lewis has unveiled a strategy to reduce monthly bills by 50% and receive thousands of pounds in refunds, while asking, "Are you overpaying council tax?"
Check and challenge
The Money Saving Expert advises Brits to thoroughly examine their council tax bills and question their accuracy.
Wrong council tax bands
According to Lewis, over 400,000 individuals are currently placed in incorrect council tax bands.
Discover your band
Utilize the government's online band checker by entering your postcode to determine the appropriate council tax bracket for your property.
Assess your property value
If your band appears higher than your neighbors', it is necessary to investigate your property's value in 1991, as this information is used by the government to determine council tax bands.
Valuation check
Take advantage of free online tools that provide a "valuation check" to assist you in this process.
Proceed with caution
It is crucial to verify your band before contacting your local authority, as challenging your council without conducting this check could raise your neighbors' bills without reducing your own.
Contact your local authority
If both the online tool and the valuation check indicate that you are paying too much council tax, call your local authority to rectify the situation.
Potential backdated payout
If you have been overpaying, you will receive a backdated refund, and your neighbors may benefit from this as well.
Special circumstances
Individuals with low incomes, pension credits, or benefits can apply for council tax reductions of up to 100%. Additionally, households with someone suffering from severe mental impairments like dementia or Parkinson's, along with their caregivers, are eligible for a 50% discount. Adults living alone can receive a 25% reduction, and students are exempt from paying council tax altogether.
Household bill savings
In tonight's show, Lewis will unveil a "rule of thumb" that can cut household bills by £500.
Lower phone bills
Lewis will also share a 3-step method to reduce phone bills to £3.50.
