Checks to start on Council Tax discount recipients
Checks by the Council will start next month on households claiming a single person’s discount on their Council Tax.
From July this year, the Council will start a regular review of who is getting and who is still eligible for the single person’s discount. This is a 25 per cent reduction in Council Tax for people who live alone.
Households receiving Single Person Discount will get a letter from City of York Council asking them to confirm their eligibility for this discount within two weeks. If they don’t respond confirming their eligibility, they will receive another reminder with a new deadline.
If this deadline is missed, their 25% Single Person’s Discount will be removed. A new Council Tax bill will be issued, spreading the instalments they need to pay over the current financial year
Residents who do respond and whose circumstances have changed, will have their bill adjusted accordingly. If needed, a new bill will be issued, spreading payments over the remainder of the financial year.
Further checks may be carried out to verify that the household information provided is accurate and up to date, and necessary changes will be made or action taken, where appropriate. All letters will have a City of York Council logo.
Cllr Lomas
Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance at City of York Council, said: “We know that circumstances can change so we need to check in with people receiving a discount. We also know that the cost of living crisis is making bills tricky for many and we do offer support.
“Following this review, we will change payment arrangements for those who are no longer eligible for the single person’s discount. Making these checks means we can change payments quickly when needed and help to avoid debt problems.
“If you are worried about money there is support available for you at www.york.gov.uk/TalkMoney . To manage your Council Tax account online, visit www.york.gov.uk/ViewCouncilTax .”
To find out about support with Council Tax, including the single person’s discount, please visit: www.york.gov.uk/DiscountsAndExemptions
Help is available to provide the information required for the review at www.york.gov.uk/BenefitsAdvice or by calling 01904 551556.