Martin Lewis tells millions of Brits to knock £1500 off Council Tax bill with easy check

Martin Lewis has gone above and beyond in his efforts to help countless individuals across the nation cut their Council Tax expenses. During a dedicated episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show on STV, the well-known expert devoted the majority of the show to identifying various ways that viewers could be entitled to discounts, reductions, or even reimbursements on their Council Tax.

In this week's edition of the MoneySavingExpert newsletter, he offered a detailed "check and challenge" method for anyone who suspects they are in the incorrect Council Tax band. However, Lewis also called attention to an approximate 2.25 million benefit recipients who are not taking advantage of potential annual Council Tax savings of up to £1,500.

The financial guru used a clear graphic to convey the point that "your full Council Tax bill is based on two or more adults living in the property," adding: "If you don't have that, and there are various reasons you may not have that, then you may be able to pay less."

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He informed viewers that adults over 18 are taken into account in the billing process, reports the Daily Record. But specified exceptions such as for those under 18, enrolled in full-time higher education for at least a year, or residing with severe mental impairments like dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, are excused from Council Tax and are eligible for a discount.

Lewis reassured individuals living alone of their entitlement to a 25 per cent reduction on their yearly charge, before proceeding to discuss what he termed the "big one."

He highlighted that Council Tax support, which could be worth up to £1,500 annually, is potentially being overlooked by around 2.25 million individuals. Martin went on to explain: "It's run council by council and it's for people on low incomes and it can cut your Council Tax bill - in some cases - up to 100 per cent, but even if not, 50 per cent is still a lot. It often applies to people on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit."

He pointed out that those on these benefits often mistakenly assume they'll automatically qualify for "everything that's coming to them" but this isn't the case.

"Council Tax benefit, even if you're on Universal Credit, you must apply separately to your council to get it and that is why so many are missing out," Martin cautioned. He further advised: "If you are on a lower income, look at your council's policy and see if you can apply to get this money - it's crucially important."

Martin also mentioned that individuals who have had to modify their property due to someone with a disability may be eligible to drop a Council Tax band.

The amount of Council Tax you pay is determined by your local authority, which sets an overall sum each year and assigns a 'band' to your home, based on its value. It isn't banded by its current market value, but what it was worth on April 1, 1991 - the date Council Tax was introduced.

He added that the band valuation has not been done in Scotland and England since that date which is why "so many people may well be in the wrong band".

Martin then detailed two checks that could indicate if you're in the wrong council tax band - the neighbours check and the valuation check. The neighbours check involves comparing your house to similar or ideally identical properties nearby to see if you're in a higher band.

Martin stressed the importance of the checking process before challenging your local council. He also warned people not to begin the challenge process unless they pass both of these checks.

The full step-by-step guide on challenging your Council Tax band and more information on discounts and reductions available can be found on MSE.com here. You can also catch up with The Martin Lewis Show on the STV Player.