Council checking East Devon tax discount claimants

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is checking that householders who claim a 25 per cent council tax discount for living alone are still entitled to it.

The council says £7.7 million is awarded annually to residents in East Devon receiving this discount, an average reduction of £375 per year. The council says when the discounts were last reviewed, more than £182,000 was identified as being incorrectly claimed.

Councillor Ian Thomas, EDDC’s portfolio holder for finance, said: “I would like to stress that anyone genuinely claiming a reduction should not be concerned. However, if you are found to be deliberately misleading the council, you could face a penalty of £70, as well as having to repay the discount.”

Anyone claiming the discount whose circumstances have changed is urged to contact EDDC immediately. Call 01395 517446 or email counciltax@eastdevon.gov.uk.