Households claiming Single Person’s Discount on their Council Tax are being asked to report any changes to their circumstances.
Forms are being posted by South Kesteven District Council to more than 22,630 householders to encourage them to confirm or amend their records.
The Council offers a Council Tax discount of 25% to properties where only one adult is resident. If circumstances change, residents have a legal duty to inform SKDC within 21 days if they think they no longer qualify.
Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development, Cllr Ashley Baxter, who is also Leader of the Council said: “It’s important the council continues to offer this vital financial support to people who need it, and are entitled to it.
“Last year, we supported single occupiers by a total of nearly £9 million, which will undoubtedly have made a positive impact on their lives.
“However, we rely on people letting us know when their circumstances change.
“We aren’t asking for any personal financial information – we are only concerned about the entitlement to the 25% Single Person Discount.”
The Council will check Council Tax information with other databases to identify properties where more than one adult appears to be living at an address and a Single Person’s Discount is still being claimed.
Claire Moses, Head of Service for Revenues, Benefits and Customer Service, said: “Most Single Person discounts are claimed legitimately but we are aware that there may be occasions when circumstances change and people forget to tell us that their eligibility to a discount should end.”
The Council is obliged to amend incorrect records, backdated to the change in circumstances – which could mean anyone who failed to share their details may have to pay Council Tax arrears.
People currently claiming Single Person Discount will be sent a form asking them to confirm or amend their circumstances. Failing to return this form, or knowingly providing inaccurate information, could incur a penalty.
For more information about this and other available discounts and exemptions, householders should go to www.southkesteven.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-discounts/council-tax-discount