Maidenhead & Windsor

A review of Windsor and Maidenhead council tax discounts is being carried out by the Royal Borough to make sure local people are paying the correct amount of council tax. The review is being coordinated with Reading Borough Council.

The Windsor and Maidenhead councils have teamed up with an independent company to carry out the work, which will check if people receiving a 25% discount on their bills because they live alone (the single person discount) are really living alone.

People often forget to tell the council when their circumstances change, for example when a new partner moves in, when a child becomes 18 or leaves home, or a partner dies, which is why the council is carrying out the checks.

The latest data matching technology will be used to check the council tax database.

If examples are found of people receiving the discount when they apparently should not be, a letter will be sent asking them to fill in a form so bills can then be amended. A second reminder will be sent to those who don't respond. If that fails, and if there is strong evidence it is being wrongly claimed, people will be told the discount is being stopped.

In the meantime, anyone who would like to update their records ahead of this survey can do so via the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's website www.rbwm.gov.uk or the customer service centre on 01628 683850.

Cllr David Hilton, deputy leader and lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "While it is important that those residents entitled to this benefit receive it, the cost of those claiming who are no longer entitled is borne by other taxpayers.

"People can have a change in their situation over the years. They may have a new partner or tenant move in, or it could simply be that one of their children becomes an adult and ceases to be a student. Whatever the circumstances, we need to know so we can keep our records up to date and recover the money due to us. It is only fair to the vast majority of council taxpayers who pay on time and inform the council of changes.

"There may also be people who do not realise they qualify for help and we hope this will also raise awareness of people's entitlement to the single persons' discount," he added.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead