Single occupancy discount review

While we are aware that most residents are claiming the discount appropriately, there are a minority who are attempting to defraud the system.

These residents may not have reported a change in their circumstances and are receiving the discount when they are no longer entitled to it. The single occupancy discount review is a scheme used to detect those who are claiming a discount that they are no longer eligible for.

We are dedicated to protecting the public purse and detecting fraud. We take council tax fraud very seriously and are proactive in confirming all entitlements to discounts.

Checks will be made to ensure everyone who claims the discount is genuine. Occasionally, however, circumstances may not be so easy to explain. To help in these situations we have included the most frequently asked questions that can arise throughout this review period below. 

We are currently reviewing the circumstances of all people who are claiming the single occupancy discount. We are simply verifying your validity to claim single occupancy discount.

Please fill out the form online using the links above and enter your PIN number, account number and postcode provided on the letter.

Alternatively, if you are the only adult occupant of your property, then simply tick the second box in section A, sign and date the form and return. If someone is due to turn 18 years old in your household within the next 12 months please complete section D of the form. 

If there is more than one adult living at the property, then please provide their name, date of birth and the date they moved into the property, in section A. If they are exempt from paying council tax, please provide the reason why. See section C. Sign and date at the bottom once completed and return to the address at the bottom of the letter.

We will assume that your situation has changed and will remove your discount, effective from the last time we checked your eligibility which will be confirmed in your new bill.

We don’t hold any credit information on you. If you want to see your credit file please contact any of the major credit reference agencies:

• TransUnion website 
• Equifax website 
• Experian website

As long as the completed form is returned within a reasonable amount of time you will not be penalised. If the form is very late, you may end up receiving a reminder letter.

All returned forms are handled by a centrally based local government scanning facility. They then process the documents on behalf of many local authorities.

Include their name and full residential address in section B, this will then be verified.

Yes, please include all the details of your current situation.

You need to write on the envelope that the person no longer lives at the address and return it to the sender.

If your friend keeps their belongings at your house then your address will be classed as their main residence therefore you are no longer eligible.

Who does your friend stay with the other three nights a week? If they stay at various addresses, your address will still be classed as their main address. 

For any other reason, please provide an explanation of your current situation.

If you are still unsure how to complete the form, or your circumstances are not covered please fill out the online form for your area above and select the fourth option: Other (My circumstances are not covered by the categories above), and write an explanation of your current situation.