Council to review Council Tax discount entitlements

HOUSEHOLDERS in Barnsley are being urged to tell the council if they are claiming council tax discounts they are not entitled to.

 Barnsley Council gives a 25 per cent single person council tax discount to around 35,000 households where there is only one adult resident at the property. In the last financial year, more than £10m was awarded in discount.

 Studies in a national fraud initiative report recently published by the Audit Commission suggest that widespread suspicions exist of a significant abuse of single person discounts. The report concludes that public bodies must do more to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards potential fraud.

 The council has, therefore, made arrangements to undertake a residency check to identify those cases where more than one adult is living at an address and a discount is still being claimed.

 Cllr Alan Gardiner, Cabinet Spokesperson for Finance and Property, said: “We believe the vast majority of council tax discounts are claimed honestly and legitimately. There are probably times where a household’s circumstances change, like children reaching the age of 18, where people forget to tell us that their eligibility to a discount should be ended. The Audit Commission report tells us though that a number of people are also deliberately providing incorrect information to claim a discount.

 “If you receive a discount that you think you should not receive, or your circumstances have recently changed, this is your chance to let us know. Tell us now before we have to contact you.”

 He added: “The Council is obliged to amend any records found to be incorrect, back to the date of the change. This residency check will result in single person discounts being cancelled where we have evidence to support that there is more than one adult resident at a property. It is important for you to let us know when your circumstances altered so we can make the correct change to your account.”

 The Council is still keen to ensure that everyone gets the discounts they are entitled to. Householders are therefore advised to make contact if they think they may qualify for any discount or exemption.

 Householders can contact the Council Tax Helpline (01226) 774774, e-mail bentax@barnsley.gov or call into their local Barnsley Connects office for more information about discounts and exemptions. Information can also be obtained from the Council’s website: www.barnsley.gov.uk/counciltax

 ENDS

Issued by press office, 01226 773375, email: pressoffice@barnsley.gov.uk