Council to review Single Person Discount claims
Dudley Council is carrying out a review of households currently receiving a Single Person Discount on their council tax to ensure the discount continues to be awarded to those who are eligible.
More than 25,000 households will be included in the review. Households where only one adult lives at the property can receive a 25 per cent reduction in their council tax bill.
The council has appointed Liberata to carry out the review on its behalf. As part of the process, information will be checked with a credit reference agency to help verify the number of adults living at an address.
Where the information suggests there may be more than one adult living at a property, Liberata will write to the council tax bill payer asking them to confirm their current circumstances.
Residents do not need to take any action unless they receive a letter.
Anyone who receives a letter will be able to confirm their circumstances quickly and securely through a dedicated page on the Dudley Council website at [insert link]. They will need the unique reference code included in their letter to complete the online form.
The letter will also provide a telephone number for residents who are unable to respond online or who need further support.
Residents will only be asked for information required to establish whether they remain eligible for the Single Person Discount. They will not be asked to provide bank details or make a payment as part of the review.
Where the review confirms that a resident is no longer eligible for the discount, it will be removed and a revised council tax bill will be issued.
If someone has continued to receive the discount after they were no longer eligible, their council tax account will be adjusted and any outstanding council tax will need to be paid. Residents who believe a decision is incorrect will be able to query it with the council.
Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said:
“The single person discount provides valuable support for residents who live alone, and it is important we make sure it is awarded fairly and accurately.
“Please respond as soon as possible if you receive a letter from Liberata. This will be to either confirm you are still entitled to the discount or to let us know that your circumstances have changed.
“If you need to cancel it, a new council tax bill will be issued.”