Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 3:00pm

Council tax discounts under review

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THE Royal Borough is carrying out a review of council tax discounts to ensure residents are paying the right amount.

The council has teamed up with an independent company to check if residents receiving a 25 per cent single person discount are really living alone.

Lead member for finance, Cllr Richard Kellaway said: "While it is important that those residents entitled to this discount receive it, the cost of those claiming who are no longer entitled is borne by other taxpayers.

"People can have a change in their situation over the years. They may have a new partner or tenant move in, or it could simply be that one of their children becomes an adult or ceases to be a student. Whatever the circumstances we need to know so we can keep our records up to date and recover the money due to us. It is only fair to the vast majority of council taxpayers who pay on time and inform the council of changes."

Residents found receiving the discount when they should not will be sent a letter asking them to fill in a form so bills can be amended. A second reminder will be sent to those who do not respond. If that fails and there is strong evidence of a wrongful claim, people will be told the discount is being stopped.