Ep30 - Council Tax

Mrs Mean Money Show

Council tax bills are rising by up to 15% in April adding to the major financial burdens facing households. Most bills are rising by 5% at the same time as water rates are increasing by 7.5% and energy bills are set to increase by a further 20%.
Never has it been more important to ensure that you are paying the right amount. Hundreds of thousands of homes may be in the wrong council tax band and a few may be able to claim back for 30 years of overpayment.
We tell you what you need to do if you think you are paying too much.
Quite separately many households are not claiming council tax discounts that they are entitled to. People living alone can get 25% off their council tax bills. This can be worth hundreds of pounds a year and students do not have to pay council tax at all.
There are further discounts if you have modified your home for someone with a disability or added a granny flat.
Council tax bills vary so greatly between different councils that anyone looking for a new property to rent or buy should take the tax rates into account. Last year council tax payers in Rutland paid an average of £2,300 a year - 17% more than the national average. In London Westminster charged an average of £866 and the City of London £829 a year while nearby Camden residents were paying £1,720.
And then you may be charged extras such as £70 for a green bin.

Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to [e-mail]

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