We are currently reviewing the circumstances of all people who are claiming the Single Person Discount. We are simply verifying your validity to claim Single Person Discount.
We are reviewing all households within West Lindsey that receive a single person discount on their Council Tax bill. We do this by comparing our records to those held by a credit reference agency.
We have a duty to ensure that where a discount is awarded there is a genuine entitlement. If you have received a letter it is because the data matching has identified that there may be another adult living in your property. We are verifying that you are still entitled to the discount.
Data matching with credit reference agencies
We match our Council Tax records with third party sources and specialist validation services. Addresses of those in receipt of the discount are passed to a credit reference agency who run a search to match other data sources such as the electoral register or credit agreements. They then provide us with a list of possible adults at a property.
The credit reference agency holds the data for the correct purposes for example the levying and collection of a tax. The data is held for as long as required then destroyed. No database is compiled that could be shared with or accessed by other bodies or sources.
We do not hold any credit information. If you want to see your credit file, you should contact any of the major credit referencing agencies:
- TransUnion (formerly called CallCredit)
- Experian
- Equifax
Complete the review
You have 14 days from receiving your letter to complete and submit the single person Council Tax discount review form. If you do not submit the form we will assume that your circumstances have changed and you are no longer entitled to the discount. The discount will be removed and a new bill will be sent to you. If you receive a reminder letter you should complete the form as previously requested.
If you have recently let us know about a change in circumstances, you must still complete the form and include all the details of your current situation.
If someone is using your address for correspondence only, please provide their name and the address at which they actually live on the review form so that it can be verified. You can supply more information if you think it may be relevant.
If you still receive post for the previous occupier you should notify us that you are the new occupier by completing our online change of address form.
If a friend or family member stays with you three or four nights a week, and keeps their belongings at your house it may be classed as their main residence, and you will no longer be eligible for the discount. Some of the questions we may ask are:
- where do they stay for the other nights?
- if they stay at various addresses but keep their belongings at your property, their main residence may be treated as your address
- what address do their doctor, dentist, or employer hold for them?
- do they work away and stay at your address on their days off?
- do they have another address where they are responsible for bills?
You should provide as much information as possible.
If you wish to speak to someone about your form please contact 01427 366017.
accordion | Single Person Discount Review Frequently Asked Questions
Single Person Discount Review Frequently Asked Questions
Why have I received this letter?
How do I complete the form?
The easiest way to reply to the review is by using the online service.
Please refer to your letter for instructions on how to do this using your unique code.
You can also complete the paper version of the form and return it via post to:
Single Person Discount Review
PO Box 152
Twickenham
TW2 6XZ
You must remember to affix a stamp to the envelope otherwise your declaration will not be processed.
What happens if I don't complete the form?
We will assume that your situation has changed and will remove your discount. You will receive a new council tax bill. If you fail to return the reminder letter you may receive a penalty of £70, which will be added to your Council Tax bill.
What happens if the form is completed after the 14 day deadline given?
If the form is not returned within 14 days, you will receive a reminder letter.
If you fail to return the reminder letter: we will assume your situation has changed and will remove your discount and you will receive a new council tax bill. You may receive a penalty of £70, which will be added to your Council Tax bill.
Why am I being asked to return my information to a Twickenham address?
The address provided on your letter is a secure local government scanning facility based in Twickenham who provide services to many local authorities.
What should I do if someone is using my address for correspondence only or I receive mail for previous occupants?
Include their full name and residential address in Section A of the form, this will then be verified. We may contact you again to ask further questions about this person.
A friend or relative stays with me a few nights a week, does this mean that I am no longer eligible?
If your friend or relative keeps their belongings at your house, then your address will be classed as their main residence. Therefore, you would no longer be eligible for Single Person Discount and will need to declare their information during the review.
I have already informed the council of a change in circumstances. Do I need to complete the form?
Yes. Please include all the details of your current situation.
What should I do if my circumstances are not covered in the examples above?
If you are still unsure how to complete the form, or your circumstances are not covered, please use the online form, and select "Other (My circumstances are not covered by the categories above)" to write an explanation of your current situation.
Alternatively, please return the paper form to the address at the bottom of your letter, with a covering letter with an explanation of your current situation.
What credit information do you hold on me?
We do not hold any credit information on you, if you want to see your credit file, please contact any of the major credit reference agencies: