Martin Lewis has urged households in England and Scotland to check if they are owed a council tax refund, as up to 400,000 homes may be in the wrong band. The financial expert highlighted that council tax bands are still based on 1991 property valuations, a system originally intended as a temporary measure.
Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), Lewis explained that those in a higher band than they should be could challenge it. A successful challenge would not only lower future bills but also entitle the homeowner to a backdated payout from when they moved in, or from 1991, whichever is earlier.
Before challenging, homeowners should first check their current council tax band via a recent bill or the GOV.UK or Scottish Assessors Association websites. They should then compare their band with neighbours' bands for similar properties, noting that the entire street might be underpaying.
To strengthen a case, MoneySavingExpert offers a free calculator to estimate the property's 1991 value. If a challenge is warranted, homeowners can contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales, or the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA) in Scotland. If successful, the band is adjusted and a refund issued; if not, an appeal can be made to an independent valuation tribunal.
