COUNCIL tax payers in Flintshire who receive a 25 per cent reduction on their bill as single occupancy residents will soon be checked to make sure the reductions are correct.

In announcing the forthcoming checks, Flintshire Council said the measure is a "regular exercise," with a similar review last carried out during 2022.

Datatank Ltd, a leading service provider who specialise in these reviews, will be working with the council to confirm the discount for genuine claimants and to identify people who are claiming a discount on their council tax where they are not entitled to it.

A Flintshire Council spokesman explained: "The review forms part of the council's measures to prevent fraud and protect the public purse.

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"Where incorrect claims are identified, the council will be ending the claims and seeking to reclaim the discount from an appropriate date.

"At present, nearly 24,000 residents – one in three households – claim the single person discount and although most residents are claiming the discount correctly, there may be cases where the council has not been informed about a change in household occupancy, which affects the reduction, or a false claim has deliberately been made.

"Any taxpayers currently receiving a discount that they feel may not be correct are urged to contact the Council Tax service straight away on (01352) 704848 or report change of circumstances online at www.flintshire.gov.uk/counciltax before the full review begins in mid-April 2024."