BASSETLAW District Council will be clamping down on residents who falsely claim a reduction in Council Tax.

There are currently over 15,000 households in Bassetlaw that claim a 25% single resident discount on their Council Tax. And while the vast majority of these claims are genuine, The Council will be carrying out regular checks to find those people who are trying to cheat the system.

Sylvia May, portfolio holder for Revenues and Benefits said: “People who abuse the benefits system or, as in this case the Council Tax discount system, should take note that we will find them.

“If someone is not declaring what they should, it is the other tax payers who take on that cost, which is not fair especially in these difficult times. We appreciate that the vast majority of the 15,000 claims will be genuine and they will not be contacted. However, if a resident is found to be falsely claiming a discount they will be expected to pay what they owe and could even be fined.”

Checks will be carried out using credit reference agency records. If these checks reveal strong evidence of another adult living in a household, yet they have registered for a single resident discount, the discount will be stopped and action taken in specific cases.

The single resident discount is based on a declaration signed by the occupier to say that one adult lives in a dwelling. Residents aged under 18 do not affect the discount.

If anyone is claiming the single resident discount and wishes to report a change in their status, they should contact the Council Tax office on 01909 533234 update their records as soon as possible.