Council to undertake Single Person Discount Review

Rochdale Council is urging residents currently claiming the single person discount on their council tax bills to let them know if their circumstances change.

Almost 35,000 residents in the borough are currently claiming the 25% single person council tax discount, which equates to around 38% of all council tax properties.

While the vast majority of residents are claiming the discount correctly, there may be cases where either the council hasn’t been informed about a change in household occupancy or where a false claim has been made.

In the next few weeks, the council will be contacting around 3,600 residents where the data suggests the single person discount may be incorrectly awarded.

Councillor Allen Brett, Cabinet Member with responsibility for finance, said: “It is important that the council receives all income due. The purpose of this discount review is to ensure that only residents entitled to the discount continue to receive it. In all cases where the discount is ended or removed, amended council tax bills will be issued to ensure the full council tax charge is paid from the correct date. Residents who want to report a change in their household circumstances are reminded that they should visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/counciltax or ring 0300 303 8870 as soon as the change occurs.”