News Release

Council Tax discount review

Maidstone Borough Council is to review all cases where a council tax discount has been claimed because the resident has advised that he/she lives on their own but where, in fact, other adults may also be living at the property.

The council will be working with an external agency to help identify people claiming a discount that they are not entitled to.

“The main part of the project will centre on checks on people who claim 25% off their council tax bill as single residents,” said Cllr Richard Ash, the council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services.

“We are keen to make sure that people who genuinely live alone are claiming their discount, however, people who claim a discount to which they are not entitled are cheating the system and placing an unfair burden on those residents who pay their fair share of the charge. This is particularly important when so many honest citizens are struggling through the recession.”

Work will also be carried out to ensure that any property that is currently receiving discounts or exemptions for being empty and unoccupied in Maidstone are really empty.

Cllr Richard Ash added: “The council is now at the forefront of the drive to ensure that the council-tax system is not abused by anyone seeking to claim a discount for which they are not entitled. It is now far easier to use modern technology to check on discounts rather than rely solely on visual checks or a review letter.”

The project will run over a period of approximately three months, starting on April 1, 2010. The council is keen to encourage people who are incorrectly claiming a council tax discount or have had a recent change in the number of occupiers to contact the council now, before the discount review campaign begins.

To contact a member of the council tax team and advise of any change in your circumstances, call 01622 602003 or email counciltax@maidstone.gov.uk