Rotherham Council warns council tax cheats

COUNCIL tax collectors are cracking down on Rotherham residents claiming discounts beyond their entitlement.

About 37,000 Rotherham households with only one adult are given 25 per cent off their council tax bills, adding up to about £9 million last year.

But the Audit Commission has warned that single person discounts being wrongly paid are making a “huge” impact on overstretched council budgets.

Rotherham Borough Council has linked up with benefits specialists Northgate to review claims.

Those claiming but no longer eligible should contact the council to stop their discount with no further action.

Anyone who ignores the warning could face further investigation and a hefty amount of tax arrears to pay, warns the council.

Deputy council leader Cllr Jahangir Akhtar said: “We believe most council tax discounts are claimed honestly and legitimately.

“But we also know that there are times where a householder’s circumstances change and they forget to tell us that their eligibility to a discount should be ended.

“We must point out that it is a statutory requirement for council taxpayers to tell us within 28 days if they think they should no longer qualify for a discount.

“If you receive a discount you think you should not receive, this is your final chance to tell us.”

“If anyone thinks they qualify for any discounts and exemptions then they should also contact us.”

See www.rotherham.gov.uk/counciltax or call 01709 336007 for more.

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