The Martin Lewis Podcast A Bills Special!
Aug 21, 2025
Dive into practical tips for slashing your mobile phone bills and staying updated on council tax changes! Learn how to challenge your council tax banding with essential evidence and find out about vital reforms improving debt collection for vulnerable individuals. Discover the significance of accessing discounts and benefits for those facing mental health issues. Plus, explore recent shifts in mobile contract rules that could lead to significant savings!
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Councils' Aggressive Debt Collection Harms People
- Martin Lewis explains that councils' rapid council tax debt collection is harmful and disproportionate, especially for people with mental health problems.
- The government consultation proposes slowing collections, capping extra costs, and requiring councils to consider individuals' circumstances.
Two Quick Checks Before Challenging Your Band
- Do the neighbours check first by comparing your band to similar nearby properties on gov.uk or saa.gov.
- Then do a valuation check by back-calculating your property's 1991 value before pursuing a formal challenge.
Use Formal Challenge And Get Your PAD
- Always submit a formal challenge within six months of moving in if eligible; formal routes are stronger than informal ones.
- Request your Property Attribute Details (PAD) from the VOA and use it to compare property features when preparing evidence.