The Inbetweeners star has urged everyone to double-check their council tax bills, as experts advise what to look for
Experts are urging UK households to scrutinise their council tax bills as many could be entitled to discounts and refunds. This comes after James Buckley’s clash with a new council scheme began gaining widespread attention online.
During a recent episode of At Home with the Buckleys, the Inbetweeners actor delivered an expletive-laden tirade aimed at his local authority following a recent encounter with refuse collectors. He revealed that he had been putting garden waste out for weeks, only to discover he now faced charges to have it collected.
He angrily declared: “Now there’s a sticker on it saying; ‘You need to go to this website now and pay for this. We’re now charging for you to take away garden waste.’ I’m like what do you mean you’re now charging? Don’t f***ing start that s***, as if before you did it for free.
“No no, we were always paying for it, it’s called council tax. What’s next? Has my council tax come down? No, is the answer to that question. Has it come up? Yes, is the answer to that question.”
James suggested countless people nationwide could relate to his anger. This appears to be true as Money Wellness calculates approximately £300million is being overpaid in council tax throughout the UK.
Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said: “James Buckley’s frustration has struck a chord with thousands of people, because it’s not just about garden waste. Millions are paying too much council tax, and in many cases, they’re entitled to money back.
“Councils aren’t going to knock on your door to tell you, so it’s up to you to check. The good news is, it’s surprisingly simple to find out if you’re owed money. And it could put hundreds of pounds back in your pocket.
“If you’re struggling with rising bills, every penny counts. Checking your council tax is one of those quick jobs that can make a real difference. Even if you only save £20 a month, that’s £240 a year, enough to cover a week’s food shop or a good chunk of your energy bill.”
The specialists shared four quick checks households can use to figure out if they’re overpaying council tax and reclaim the cash back. Beginning with researching your council tax band and contrasting it with comparable properties in your vicinity.
If you discover your home’s band is unreasonably higher than similar properties around you, you may be able to request the Valuation Office Agency to reassess it. This could save up to £400 annually if your tax band is reduced and you may be entitled to refunds for previous overpayments.
However, there’s a significant drawback to this as the agency can just as easily determine your property has been paying insufficient tax. This would raise your bill and in some instances could even boost council tax for your neighbours too.
If you can’t shift your band, you could change the amount you pay as many households may be paying the full rates when they’re entitled to discounts or reductions. Circumstances such as living alone, receiving particular benefits, or having specific medical conditions can qualify you for reductions spanning from 25% to 100%.
Your local authority’s website allows you to verify whether you’re eligible for any discounts or cuts. The expert said: “But these savings don’t happen automatically. You have to know about them, and you have to apply. Sadly, too many people either don’t realise they qualify or assume the council will work it out for them.”
If you have been paying too much council tax, whether because you’ve moved house or because of a mistake, the local authority should retain this surplus under your name. The expert said: “Contact them directly and ask if your account is in credit. Refunds can be backdated for years, meaning you could get a lump sum of hundreds of pounds.”
If you have missed a payment for a genuinely valid reason, you might be able to present your case to the council. Some may waive reminder charges or court expenses according to the specialists, particularly if you’re vulnerable or can demonstrate it was an honest error.
James is thought to remain residing in Essex, though the precise location isn’t verified with numerous reports suggesting Chelmsford. This March, Chelmsford City Council introduced a fresh opt-in subscription scheme for garden waste.
According to EssexLive, residents are required to pay an annual fee of £60 for garden waste collections. Alternatively, they can purchase a subsidised compost bin or take their garden waste to local recycling centres. A spokesperson for the council previously declined to respond to Buckley’s comments.