Council Tax Single Person Discount

SHIPSHAPE

woodbine wrote: »

CT isnt levied on individuals but on property,

Not that old chestnut.

A property is assessed for the bill, the individual(s) then have to pay it, they are liable.

Put it this way, as a single person, nobody pays this bill but me. My property doesn't pay it as it is physically unable to do so.

CIS

Surely you should know that claiming a single person entitlement where one is not entitled to it is classed and prosecuted as a benefit fraud?

Its not.

Very few cases are prosecuted for fraudulently claiming discounts and exemptions - if they are then they are prosecuted under the theft act. Council Tax fraud is not treated as benefit fraud (although if CTB is in payment and they have not declared a partner then they can prosecute in respect of the CTB claim).

Having spoken with many other councils and training staff who work nationally in councils the number who prosecute for council tax discount/exemption fraud is very small. The money can easily be re-claimed through the council tax system in the vast majority of cases and is a lot cheaper and easier than trying to prosecute for theft.