".... some people might be tempted ....... when they could approach the local authority for advice. If anyone wants to compare the tax bands around them they are at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_4017252 just enter your postcode (put a space between NR25 and the second part of the code). There is a link on the same page to challenge your existing Tax Band and it will cost you nothing.