Some 4,759 households in Nottinghamshire could be due a council tax refund, according to new research by consumer website MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE). Experts at the website are now urging households to check if they are due a refund.
Detailing the figures council by council, the website dug down into the total value of refunds due to households across the UK and the final figure hit a whopping £150m or thereabouts. Among the reasons a refund may be due is that a householder moved out of the area having already paid their bill upfront.
Eight Nottinghamshire councils were approached for details. However, Mansfield District Council was one of 15 councils nationally that failed to respond or disclose the data requested by MSE following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted towards the end of 2021. Four councils nationally refused to disclose the data, telling the website that there was "a risk of increased fraudulent behaviour if they were to do so".
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Commenting on the FOI findings, Gareth Shaw, deputy editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, said: "While many councils do make an effort to track down those who have cash lying unclaimed, they are still staggeringly sitting on £150 million worth of overpayments."
There was some good news for those who pay by direct debit though. Gareth says that if you paid by this method you are less likely to have overpaid. However, he added: "...but it’s not impossible, so if you’ve moved home, it’s worth checking if you might be due - especially if you changed local authority area and paid by cash, cheque or standing order instead."
Explaining that each council has its own way of processing claims, Gareth advised doing your research before calling the council - check your statements and bills first and see if council tax you paid upfront covers a period after you moved and if you closed your account in credit.
He adds: "Don't just call on the off chance you might be due – do a little bit of digging so you don't clog up councils' switchboards for those who need essential and urgent support. See if council tax you paid upfront covers a period after you moved and if you closed your account in credit."
Nottinghamshire councils and the refunds owed
| Nottinghamshire council | Refunds owed | Number of accounts |
Ashfield District Council (2020) |
£16,469.44 |
246 |
Bassetlaw District Council (2021) |
£74,576.85 |
159 |
Broxtowe Borough Council (2021) |
£112,425.18 |
815 |
Gedling Borough Council (2020) |
£99,409.74 |
584 |
Mansfield District Council |
Failed to declare any data |
|
Newark & Sherwood District Council (2021) |
£100,740.00 |
395 |
Nottingham City Council (2020) |
£273,000.00 |
2,052 |
Rushcliffe Borough Council (2020) |
£120,245.11 |
508 |
How to check if you are owed a refund
Before getting on the phone to your local council check your facts. Check your bank statements, dates you moved etc. Did you cancel your direct debit in time to If you think you are due a refund then contact your local council - the council you've been paying council tax to - either by phone, email or live chat. The government website directs you quickly to your local authority's website. According to MSE, some councils provide a online council tax refund form.
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