More than 26,000 Tendring residents who receive a single person discount on their council tax are to be contacted to see if their claims are genuine in a bid to reduce waste and potential fraud.
The discount gives single person households a 25% reduction in their council tax bills.
Now Tendring District Council (TDC) has appointed external contractors to confirm residents’ circumstances. Not responding in time could mean residents are fined or discounts removed. Information may also be validated against other data.
The leader of TDC, Cllr Mark Stephenson, said the council has a duty to review how public money is spent.
“This review is about making sure the system is fair and that help is going to those who genuinely need it,” he said “By tackling fraud, we can protect council finances and ensure more support is available for those who are entitled to it.”
• Anyone living alone is eligible to claim a council tax discount. Anyone eligible who is not yet making a claim can complete an online form at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/departments/discounts-and-exemptions.
