The Council has recently become aware that citizens in the Wakefield District have been contacted by companies who offer to appeal against the Council Tax banding of their property on behalf of the Council Tax payer. The aim of this is to get the council tax band for the property reduced and receive a refund from the Council for overpaid Council Tax.

The Council wishes to make citizens aware that:

• these companies make a charge for providing this service.
• if you think your Council Tax band is wrong or would like to check your Council Tax band you can contact ‘The Valuation Office Agency’ at Leeds who provide this service free of charge.

The contact details are:

The Valuation Office Agency
42 Eastgate
Leeds LS2 7JL
Telephone: 0113 3884500
Website: www.voa.gov.uk

From time to time Council Officers will phone citizens in respect of Council Tax and / or benefits. However, if you have any doubt as to the authenticity of the call you should take the caller’s name and extension number and call the Council Tax Team on 0844 9 020 205 or the Benefits Team on 0845 8 504 504.

You can also check the authenticity of the number by comparing it to what is printed in the local phone book or at www.wakefield.gov.uk.

There are some occasions when Council Officers may make visits to properties. However, these are usually confirmed by an appointment. If you are visited by a Council Officer please request photo identification and if you are at all in doubt, contact the Council on 0845 8 506 506 for verification.

The Council urges citizens to be vigilant and if you receive a phone call and you suspect the person you are talking to is not genuine, do not give out any personal details and phone the Council on one of the numbers above for verification.

Signs to look out for:

• If action has to be taken immediately
• You are asked to provide your bank account details
• You are asked to make a purchase to win a prize
• You need to contact a premium rate number
• You receive an unsolicited call
• The business contacting you is reluctant to give their address or contact details