Bleanau Gwent residents have been urged to check their bills to see if they have been paying too much money as the county borough council has more than £800,000 from overpaid council tax.
It comes after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that, as of the end of November 2022, Blaenau Gwent CBC holds £842,819.19 from overpaid council tax 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 change in circumstance such as moving house.
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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 tax payers have six years to try and claim back the overpayment.
The umbrella organisation, which represents all 22 council tax bill issuing authorities, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), explained that unclaimed overpayments stay with the council unless they are refunded. That money could eventually become part of a council's finances to be used on services. Council tax goes towards paying for council services, such as rubbish and recycling collections, street lights, schools and social 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 eight to 10 years."
The WLGA advise 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 to 1993. Where a clear entitlement to the money exists councils would reverse the write back and refund."
In Blaenau Gwent there are around 33,590 residential properties and 85% of residents live in properties subject to council tax in Band A or B. While the charges vary across the towns in Blaenau Gwent, the average bill this year for Band A is £1,401.12 and Band B is £1,634.64.
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