BRADFORD householders considering challenging their council tax banding can do so for free.

The advice was issued by Bradford Council after reports of some companies offering to carry out checks in exchange for a fee. Upfront fees can be as much as £165 and a percentage of any re-banding refund is also sometimes taken.

“We are concerned that these companies are not giving citizens the whole picture,” said Martin Stubbs, assistant director of the Council’s revenues and benefits service. “If people think they are in the wrong band for council tax, they should get in touch with the Valuation Office Agency to check it out for free.”

Visit voa.gov.uk for more details.