Single person discount review
We are currently reviewing the circumstances of all people who are claiming the 25% single person discount and are verifying your validity to claim this Council Tax discount.
Single person discount reviews are conducted regularly to ensure individuals are still eligible, the review helps to ensure that the discount is only given to those who are entitled to it and to prevent fraudulent claims. We have a duty to protect the public purse, and reviewing discounts ensures fairness and accuracy to Council Tax billing and can improve income into the authority that allows for more resource to local services.
Responding to the letter
You must respond to the review letter, even if you have already notified Council Tax/Benefits Team of a change in circumstances.
If you fail to respond after 21 days the discount will be removed from 1 April 2024, and you will have to reapply if you believe you are still eligible. You may also be subject to a £70 penalty.
Reminder notices will not be issued.
Frequently asked questions
You may still be eligible for a 25% discount dependant on the household circumstances. If you have a child that is turning 18 years soon or is 18 years and over, they may be discounted for other reasons. For more information see our discounts and exemptions page.
If you are not entitled to any further discounts, then you will have the full 100% Council Tax charge.
If a friend/relative keeps their belongings at your house, then your address will be classed as their main residence, and the single person discount will no longer be eligible. This must be declared when responding to the review.
This will not affect your eligibility for the single person discount, and if you are still the only adult occupying the property. It is recommended that you return all mail not addressed to yourself back to the senders.
Complete and return the form and provide a cover letter explaining the circumstances for review.
If you think someone you know is claiming a Council Tax discount or a benefit that they are not entitled to, you can report your suspicions by email to fraud@cheshirewest.gov.uk.
It would be beneficial to complete the application to confirm if you are eligible for Council Tax Reduction. This is means tested and is assessed by our Benefits Team.
If you are in receipt of Council Tax Support from Cheshire West Benefits Team, please see our Council Tax reduction page as any claims in payment will also require review.
Data matching
The data matching is undertaken by the Cabinet Office as part of the National Fraud Initiative. The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is an exercise that matches electronic data within and between public and private sector bodies to prevent and detect fraud. There is no breach of data protection as it is collected for the purposes of the levying and collection of a tax. All data is held for as long as required as part of the exercise and is then destroyed.
For example, data could match with previous tenants or landlord of the property or if you have any type of credit with a name that does not exactly match the council tax records (Middle name, maiden name or the council may only hold your first initial on the account). A lot of the matches can be explained however we have over 40,000 accounts currently in receipt of single person discount we are unable to check each match, therefore the review letter is issued. There will be instances where this discount is no longer applicable or is being fraudulently obtained. We are required to ensure all discounts and allowances are current and it is reasonable to ask charge payers to confirm their entitlement under The Local Government Finance Act 1992.
No credit data is held by us. If you would like to view your credit file you will need to contact the major credit referencing agencies such as Experian, Equifax, TransUnion.
For more information about NFI, please visit the Gov.UK-National fraud initiative page.
If you would like to return the paper form, please follow the instructions on the letter you have received.