Staying safe from scams

There are numerous scams related to Council Tax and Benefits. Typically, these involve you getting a message, email or a phone call saying that you are entitled to a refund or a payment. They ask for card or bank details to send the refund or payment to.

You can report scam messages or emails the following ways:

• Action Fraud website
• Report internet scams and phishing (GOV.UK)

If you have already given your bank details to someone or think you have lost money because someone has used your card or bank details fraudulently, you should contact your bank immediately.

Council Tax Refunds

If you are due a refund from Council Tax, we will usually send this back to your bank account automatically, free of charge.

If we do not hold your bank account details, we will write to you or email you.

If you get do a phone call about a refund and asking for such details, it's a scam.

If you have received a letter or email from us and do not want to click on the link, you can apply online for a Council Tax refund. We will never ask you for money to process a refund.

• Council tax refunds
• Business rates refunds

Council Tax Banding Appeals

If you are contacted regarding your Council Tax banding or rateable value for your Business Rates, you can check this information on the following links free of charge:

• Council Tax bands (GOV.UK)
• Correct your business rates (GOV.UK)