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People in the Chichester District are being warned by Chichester District Council to be extra vigilant and be aware of calls from companies offering to challenge their council tax banding for a fee.

Following a recent complaint, the council is reminding people that they can find out their council tax banding for FREE by contacting the Valuation Office.
A number of companies contact residents directly and offer to challenge the banding on a resident’s behalf.
The companies’ methods include:
• Charging an up-front fee then not making the challenge at all.
• Asking for a person’s bank details so they can provide a refund but instead taking money from the account.
• Offering a resident an agent, telling them they must have one by law in order to challenge the banding, when this is not the case at all.
Chichester District Council is urging people not to give any bank details over the phone and to end any suspicious telephone call immediately.
Any suspicious phone calls, text messages or emails should be reported as soon as possible to:
• Chichester District Council’s Council Tax team;
• Sussex Police on 101; and
• West Sussex County Council Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.
Residents are also reminded that any genuine direct phone number given by Chichester District Council will be in the format of 01243 534***.
In some cases these companies may carry out cold calls at people’s homes. Residents who do receive a cold call are urged to seek identification from the person at the door, ring a cold caller’s office to confirm their identity and dial 999 if a cold caller refuses to leave.
Councillor Philippa Hardwick, Cabinet Member for Finance at Chichester District Council, says: “We are urging residents to be extremely careful and not give out any details over the phone.

“If you are concerned about the banding of your property, you can do this for free by contacting your local Valuation Office. Anyone can do this and you do not need a third party despite what these companies may tell you over the phone.

“No council will contact residents in this way and we certainly will not undertake cold calls at people’s homes and ask for their bank details. I would urge everyone to be vigilant and also keep an eye on older relatives or neighbours. Anyone concerned about a call should report it immediately.”

For more information go to the Council Tax section at the Valuation Office Agency https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/valuation-office-agency

People can also contact Chichester District Council’s Council Tax team http://www.chichester.gov.uk/counciltax.

65% of Action Fraud reports during the 2016 Christmas period were linked to online Auction sites. Don’t pay for goods or services by bank transfer unless you know and trust the person. Payments via bank transfer offer you no protection if you become a victim of fraud

Watch Out – Check a Trade Magazine November 2017

Would you pay more to support policing in Sussex?

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne writes: “This year, we have seen police officers and staff nationally, along with other emergency services, respond with skill and bravery as they play their part in the substantial security effort around the recent terror attacks which have hit the UK. In response, the Government is increasing the money it spends on tackling terrorism, including an amount for policing.

“Further investment is also working to tackle the national threat of cyber crime, which is affecting businesses and individuals across the country. With the new frontline for policing increasingly becoming our front rooms and children’s bedrooms – where crimes are being committed down the phone line and behind screens – we have to recognise that the policing we see is not necessarily all the policing we get to keep us safe.

“I know that residents support Sussex Police in preparing for threats like terrorism and cyber crime but I’m also aware that issues closer to home, such as anti-social behaviour, are affecting local people.

“In previous years, the Chief Constable has asked for my help to raise more funds to invest in specific areas of policing, including public protection, community investigation and armed response. Thanks to the money you’ve already contributed through your council tax, Sussex Police has been able to build its capacity and capabilities in these areas, and others, to deliver a more effective and efficient service to the public.

“Now we need your help to sustain this service.

“All public services have to find significant financial savings and Sussex Police is no exception. The force has already saved £70m since 2010 and the Chief Constable’s Local Policing Plan is working towards delivering further savings over the next four years.

“I know the changes Sussex Police has made to its policing model are taking some getting used to but it’s vital that the force reshapes its neighbourhood policing teams to meet the challenges of 21^st century policing.

“The Chief Constable and I are continuing to work together to drive further reform and substantial progress has already been made through collaboration with local and regional partners and through investment in mobile technology.

“I want to help Sussex Police explore and identify all opportunities for investment. That is why I have carried out a review of the amount of money Sussex Police holds in its reserves and released £15m to reduce the impact of reductions in police officer numbers. I’ve done this because I recognise the scale of the impact that these changes are having on the police and the public, and I remain committed to investing in local policing.

“I am also seeking further sources of external funding, including contributions from new building developments that lead to increased demand on local services. I – and other Police & Crime Commissioners – continue to negotiate with the Government for more funding for policing, as well as asking for the removal of the current ‘cap’ on the police precept.

“Please take a minute to complete my online survey to tell me whether you would be prepared to pay more, through your council tax, for policing in Sussex. You can find all the information at www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/public-consultations”