Could you get a reduction in council tax payments?

Bills, bills, bills! It's been a busy April as I toured radio and TV studios across the land to talk about bills going up and saving some cash.

- MARTYN JAMES

One of the biggest sources of frustration that I've encountered relates to bills we are stuck with: water and council tax.

I'll tackle water in a future column. But did you know there are a few ways you could reduce your council tax payments?

Here's my guide...

How do I cut my council tax bill?

There is one simple way to cut your council tax monthly payments - and it's so simple, you'll kick yourself when I explain it!

Almost all local authorities that set council tax in the UK will bill you over 10 months, so you get February and March for free each year. However, you can ask your council to spread the payments over 12 months instead of 10.

If you're paying £1,800 a year, then over 10 months you pay £180 per month. But over 12, you pay £150 which saves you £30 a month.

That's a sixth off in real terms.

Single person discount

The most well-known council tax bill reduction is the single person discount. If you live alone then you can get 25% off your bill.