BURNLEY Council has warned residents to be vigilant after reports of a company offering to lower their council tax banding.

Over the past few days, the council has received a number of phone calls from council taxpayers who have been ‘cold called’ by a private company which claims to be able to save them money.

“People are under the misapprehension that this company is working on behalf of the council, or the Valuation Office,” said Caroline Lee, the council’s head of revenues and benefits.

“This isn’t the case.

“Taxpayers can appeal to the Valuation Office to have their council tax band reviewed and it doesn’t cost them a thing.

“From what we’ve been told, this company appears to be charging an up-front fee, followed by a success fee based on any saving achieved.

“We’ve also been told that representatives from the company are calling at people’s homes.”

The council’s advice to people is if you think your house is in the wrong council tax band you should contact the Valuation Office yourself.

Burnley’s valuation bands can be found on council tax bills.