You must be on your guard against bogus officials offering to give council refunds, relating to council tax.

People are being called and told they may qualify for a refund and then asked for their bank account details so the payment can be made. In some cases residents have also been asked for a £90 admin fee to process their application.

Whilst this con may not yet have arrived in your area, it is worth everyone being vigilant and not giving out any sensitive information to unknown callers, either on the phone or in person. If you receive any such approach, contact the Police and inform them..

If you are due for any kind of refund, you will be informed in writing by your Local Authority and no ‘admin’ fee will be payable!