Are you entitled to single Person discount for council tax

Published: 22 October 2024

People in Exeter who receive a single person discount for council tax are being urged to notify the City Council if their circumstances have changed.

The Single Person Discount is a widely claimed discount, with 31% of Exeter City households claiming it.

Approximately £9.3 million has been discounted for the financial year 2024/2025.  However, it is nationally recognised as a discount that can be claimed incorrectly.  The Council with the support of Devon County Council will, therefore, commence a review of those residents claiming the discount.

The review process is due to start in November and will be conducted by Capacitygrid, a reputable company specialising in review services for local authorities.

Capacitygrid will cross-reference residents’ entitlement with various data sources, including electoral-roll registers and financial sector information, to identify any potential inaccuracies in single person discount claims.

Residents flagged by the review will receive letters informing them of the need to review their entitlement. It is imperative that recipients respond promptly to the letter.

Cllr Marina Asvachin, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Customer Services, said: “Exeter City Council is committed to providing support to our residents wherever, and whenever we can, and the Council Tax Single Person Discount scheme is a key part of that strategic aim.

“However, the Council also has a responsibility to ensure that financial assistance is only provided to those in genuine need, and so we routinely undertake robust checks on eligibility to safeguard the public purse and thus allow us to provide more targeted assistance in the future.”