New Council Tax refunds investigation finds more than 862,000 people in UK due money back - check now
04.07.2022 - 14:07
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A new investigation by the UK’s biggest consumer website, MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE), has discovered that some 862,027 households in Scotland, England and Wales could be due a refund for overpaid Council Tax. A whopping £150.2 million is lying unclaimed, worth an average of £174 per account.
Their research also shows that £11.2 million is unclaimed by some 81,479 Scots in 30 of the 32 councils north of the border, worth £137.51 on average. Data was unavailable for Clackmannanshire and Orkney Islands Councils. More than £5 million is owed to more than 27,580 people in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife alone - an average of £181.37.
MSE.com is urging every household across the UK to check if they are missing out on a refund, which could provide a much-needed financial boost during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The consumer website explains that there are a number of reasons why people may be due a cash refund from their council, but the key one is where the householder has moved out of the area and had already paid their Council Tax bill upfront.
In most cases Council Tax is paid in advance - including for those who pay monthly - and, if someone fails to close their account or doesn’t pay by direct debit, the council may struggle to issue a refund automatically if they’ve moved. This means the account will likely be closed in credit.
MSE said the easiest way to avoid being due overpaid Council Tax is to set up a direct debit with their local authority, so they can automatically process any refunds.
Those who think they might be able to claim cash back can call, email or live chat their council - each council will have its own process for reclaiming.
MSE submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to all 364 local