A COUNTY-wide initiative to review the number of people claiming single person discount on their council tax will start in the Chichester district this week.
Around 17,000 people currently claim a single person discount in the Chichester District Council area, which gives 25 per cent off the council tax bill.
The audit will start on Tuesday and last for around five months.
“The aim is to check that those who are currently claiming the single person discount are living alone. It will also help to identify where people are claiming discounts that they are not entitled to. This is not the first time this has been done, with the council conducting its own checks in previous years,” said a statement issued by the council.
“We would like to remind residents to let us know as soon as possible if their circumstances have changed and they are no longer living alone,” says Louise Rudziak, assistant director of revenues and support services.
“We want to make sure that the discount is being given to those who are genuinely entitled to it. People who claim a discount to which they are not entitled are cheating the system and placing an unfair burden on those residents who are paying their full council tax.”
Anyone whose circumstances have changed, or who would like to check they are receiving the correct discount or exemptio, can call 01243 534501, email counciltax@chichester.gov.uk or go to www.chichester.gov.uk/counciltax
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