New campaign to combat council tax fraud

Havering Council is launching a campaign to prevent people from deliberately defrauding tax payers by claiming single occupier discount on council tax.

The Council is sending out letters to a selection of residents as part of a review of its database of people claiming the discount. Residents who receive a letter will be asked for confirmation that they live alone and are therefore entitled to a 25 per cent discount on their Council tax.

Some people may have continued receiving the discount despite a change in circumstances – for example if someone has moved into a property recently.  In these cases records will simply be corrected and an arrangement will be made for any money owed to be paid back.

However, anyone who fails to return the form will have their discount withdrawn.  People suspected of not declaring a change of circumstances will also be investigated.

Like benefits cheats, people who claim this council tax discount when they are not entitled to it can be prosecuted and can face a jail sentence.

Cllr Eric Munday, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:  "We are constantly investigating cases of benefit and council tax fraud and are bringing cheats to court. In these times of financial hardship, we want to make sure anyone receiving a discount or benefit is entitled to it.

"We are giving people claiming single persons discount an opportunity to confirm the status of the occupancy of their homes. If they do not respond their discount will be withdrawn and they may be taken to court if the findings of our investigations indicate wilful fraud."