PEOPLE are being warned to be on their guard against cold-callers telling householders that they can cut their council tax bills.

Lancashire Trading Standards has received more than 60 enquiries from across Lancashire, many from older residents, who became suspicious after receiving unsolicited telephone calls offering to check council tax bandings.

Coun Linda Crossley, whose area of responsibility at Pendle Council includes council tax, said: “Companies cold-calling offering this type of service have no connection to Pendle Council or the Valuation Office Agency.

“It’s not illegal for businesses to offer this service, but appealing to the Valuation Office Agency against your council tax banding is something you can do yourself for free.

"The advice from Trading Standards is to never to do business with cold callers or give them personal information or bank details.”

You can contact the Valuation Office Agency on 03000 501501 or visit www.voa.gov.uk.