RESIDENTS in West Somerset are being warned against cold callers offering a service at a price - when it is already available for free.

Although legitimate, the callers are giving people the chance to obtain Council Tax banding advice for a £55 fee.

But West Somerset Council said yesterday (Thursday) that the information is available from the Government Valuation Office at no charge.

"The calls have caused some concern to residents who fear that those least able to afford the money may be tempted to take up the offer," said a council spokesman.

Residents have been told by the callers that they may have been wrongly banded for Council Tax and could be entitled to a re-banding and rebate.

And they are then given the chance to have their banding checked for a £55 fee.

The spokesman said the council wanted to advise residents that a call to the Valuation Office or a visit to the agency's website could provide the information for free.

The local office can be contacted on 03000 501501 or online at http://www.voa.gov.uk">www.voa.gov.uk.