Amnesty period for Telford residents to update council tax details

Each year the authority undertakes a review of single person discount claimants to ensure each applicant is entitled to a 25 per cent reduction in their council tax, and the council alerts those who are not entitled to it.

This year the authority is offering an amnesty until Friday, June 4, with claimants being encouraged to tell the council about changes that may mean they are no longer eligible to claim as a single person without any further repercussions.

Changes in circumstances might include if a new partner has moved in, a home is shared with a tenant, housemate, lodger or any other adult, a child aged over 18 has left full-time education or returned home or if there has been a change to the income of people living in the household.

The council will be looking to take further action against residents who are no longer entitled to receive single person discount and fail to declare any personal changes by the end of the amnesty period. This may include backdating the cancellation of the discount as far as evidence will allow and, in certain cases, an additional penalty of £70 on the claimant’s council tax bill.

Councillor Rae Evans, cabinet member for council finance and governance, said: “We recognise that the majority of households claiming this discount on their council tax are eligible to do so and would encourage those who are eligible and haven’t already let us know to do so. However, if you are getting a single person discount and are not entitled to it, you need to let us know – simply update your records straight away and you’ll avoid facing any action. Please act now and let the council know of any change in your circumstances before Friday, June 4.”

For more information visit telford.gov.uk/mycounciltax – email with the subject SPD Amnesty to council.tax@telford.gov.uk – or speak to an advisor by calling 01952383838.