Residents told ‘come clean on council tax’

Thousands of households across South Holland are being urged to come clean if they are claiming council tax discounts they are not entitled to.

South Holland District Council gives a 25 per cent council tax discount to more than 11,500 households where there is only one adult living in a property.

In the past financial year, the discount totalled more than £3.1million.

The council will shortly be comparing its council tax information with other databases to identify those cases where more than one adult is living at an address and a discount is still being claimed.

Coun Peter Coupland, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “We believe most council tax discounts are claimed honestly and legitimately but we know there are times where a household’s circumstances change and people forget to tell us their eligibility to a discount should end.

“However, it is a statutory requirement for council tax payers to tell us within 21 days if they think they should no longer qualify for a discount.

“If you receive a discount you think you should not receive, this is your final chance to tell us, before we contact you.”

Coun Coupland added: “We are obliged to amend any records we find to be incorrect, back to the date of the change.

“This means that householders do not benefit from withholding information from us and it makes it fair for everyone. It could mean some households will find they have a considerable amount of council tax arrears to pay.

“Whilst we are cracking down on the incorrect discounts granted, we are still keen to make sure that everyone gets the discounts they are entitled to.

“You should contact us if you think you should qualify for any discounts and exemptions.”

Council Tax payers can contact South Holland District Council’s Revenues service by ringing 01775 761161 and select Option 4, email counciltax@sholland.gov.uk or call into our offices in Priory Road, Spalding.

For more information about the available discounts and exemptions, householders can check the website: www.sholland.gov.uk