AN urgent warning has been issued to stop residents paying out for expensive tax appeal schemes.

Tendring Council has issued the alert after a resident was approached by a firm asking for £65 to check their council tax valuation band.

They were also told there would be an additional cost if an appeal was launched and a council tax reduction was achieved.

But residents can carry out checks and make appeals for free.

Council revenues and benefits boss John Hughes said: “This is not the first time that we have been contacted by a customer who has been approached by a company in this way.

“And I am sure that there must be many others who we have not heard about.

“I suppose if you do not know how the appeals system works it sounds quite helpful but you can do just the same yourself without paying a penny to anyone.”

People can go to the Valuation Office Agency website or call 03000 501501.