Tendring District Council (TDC) is carrying out a review of all households currently receiving the 25% single person council tax discount, to ensure support is going to those who are genuinely eligible.

There are currently more than 26,000 households in the district where there is only one adult living at the property and are in receipt of this 25% single person discount off their bill.

As part of the review, the council has appointed contractors NEC Northgate to help manage the process and will be contacting residents to confirm their circumstances.

If you receive a check request as part of this review, it’s important to respond within the timeframe given — either to confirm your situation hasn’t changed, or to let us know if it has. Not responding could mean your discount is removed and may result in a fine.

To make sure the information we hold is accurate, we may also carry out checks using data matching and other validation methods.

Councillor Mark Stephenson (pictured), TDC Leader, said the council understands the pressures many households are facing during the ongoing cost of living crisis, and that it wants to make sure that support is going to those who need it most.

“We know how important council tax discounts can be for people living alone, especially during the cost of living crisis,” he said.

“This review is about making sure the system is fair and that help is going to those who genuinely need it.

“As part of our corporate plan, Our Vision, we’re committed to financial sustainability and openness — and that means reviewing how we spend public money.

“By tackling fraud, we can protect council finances and ensure more support is available for those who are entitled to it.

“We’ve brought in an experienced company to carry out this review so our teams can focus on helping residents who need assistance with council tax reduction and housing benefit.”

Council taxpayers across Tendring who receive the single person discount on their council tax bill are periodically checked to make sure their reductions are correct. This review forms part of the council’s measures to prevent and detect fraud.

Anyone living alone is eligible to claim a council tax discount. Anyone eligible who is not yet making a claim is encouraged to complete an online form at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/departments/discounts-and-exemptions.

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