Cold callers are impersonating local councils and requesting cash in exchange for a lowering of their tax rate.

Maidstone Borough Council are warning residents about the scam in which a person claiming to be from the authority will offer to lower their council tax to 1991's rate in exchange for £55 and their bank details.

A council spokesman said: "MBC would never call asking people to do that or on any matter regarding council tax alterations."

Adding that a similar incident had been reported in Tunbridge Wells and that Kent Police and Trading Standards had been informed.