Council tax fraud crackdown

A crackdown on council tax fraud in South Holland has been announced

The district council says its going to look at the 12,500 households that receive a 25 per cent discount on their bill as they’re registered as having just one adult residing there.

The authority is urging residents who are no longer entitled to the discount to contact them as it’s set to work with a third party “to compare its council tax information with other databases”.

A spokesman continued: “Letters will be sent in April to all residents currently receiving a Single Person Discount.

“This will ask them to confirm their current circumstances via text, online or by returning the form by post. Anyone who thinks they should no longer qualify for a discount will be required to respond within 21 days.

“Any records that are found to be incorrect will be amended back to the date of the change of circumstances.

“This ensures that householders do not benefit from withholding information and makes the system fairer for all residents.”

Coun Peter Coupland, (pictured) deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, strategy and partnerships, said: “Whilst we know that the vast majority of our residents claim this vital discount legitimately, it is important that we regularly check whether circumstances may have changed and people may not have told us their discount should have ended.

“This makes sure that our support is accessed only by those who need it most and makes things fairer for all of our residents.

“If you think you may be receiving a discount you are not entitled to, please let us know as soon as possible to minimise any potential arrears as much as possible.

“Whilst we are investigating these incorrect discounts, we are also still keen to make sure that everyone gets the reductions they are entitled to. Please contact us if you think you should qualify for any discounts or exemptions you are not currently receiving.”

Residents can contact South Holland’s Council Tax team via email at counciltax@sholland.gov.uk or by phone on 01775 761161. For more information about the available discounts and exemptions, householders can check www.sholland.gov.uk/CouncilTaxReductions