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Blaenau Gwent residents urged to check council tax bills

11 Jan 2023 3 minute read
Blaenau Gwent has £842,819.19 in its coffers from overpaid bills

Elgan HearnLocal Democracy Reporter

Blaenau Gwent residents have been urged to check their council tax bills to see if they have been paying too much money to the county borough council.

A Freedom of Information request revealed that as of the end of November 2022, Blaenau Gwent has £842,819.19 in its coffers from overpaid bills.

Although there is no legal requirement for any council to notify individuals that they have overpaid their council tax, which is normally paid in 10 monthly payments from April to February each financial year, authorities will issue a closing bill if there is change in circumstance such as moving house.

If there is any credit on a householder’s account, it should count as payment towards a new bill.

The Limitation Act 1980 would “signify” that taxpayers have six years to claim back any overpayment.

The umbrella organisation, which represents all 22 council tax bill issuing authorities, the Welsh Local Government Association explained that unclaimed overpayments stay with the council unless they are refunded.

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Refund

Eventually that money could become part of a council’s finances to be used on services.

A WLGA spokesman said: “After a period of time councils probably will have a ‘write back’ provision in their write off policy to absorb the balances.

“Some authorities report that they review such credits after 8 to 10 years.”

The WLGA have advised residents to check their council tax bill and if it is in credit to contact the council and request a refund.

The spokesman said: “Simply enquire with the local authority providing as many details as possible in relation to the account/property the taxpayer is concerned about. Records extend back to 1993.

“Where a clear entitlement to the money exists councils would reverse the write back and refund.”

Charges vary

There are around 33,590 residential properties subject to council tax in Blaenau Gwent.

Band D is commonly used as the standard for comparing levels of Council Tax across Wales, but this gives a misleading picture for Blaenau Gwent.

In Blaenau Gwent 85 per cent of homes are in Band A or B.

While the charges vary across the towns in Blaenau Gwent the average bill this year for Band A is £1401.12 and Band B is £1,634.64.

This goes towards paying for council services, such as rubbish and recycling collections, streetlights, schools and social services.


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