A COUNCIL tax clampdown in Wokingham is expected to cost £12,000 in fees, but it is hoped the move will bring in much-needed income.
Wokingham Borough Council said it has launched a review of people claiming single person discount of 25% on their council tax. It is for adults who live alone in their main home. Some 19,000 residents currently claim it.
NEC Software Solutions has been contract for the task, and the council says a previous review in 2020 resulted in £330,000 extra council tax being collected.
Letters will be sent to discount claimants asking if their circumstances have changed.
Councillors say the clampdown is necessary as its budget is squeezed by a combination of high inflation and low government funding.
Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, responsible for finance, said: “We are under severe financial pressure due to out-of-control inflation and increasing demand for support for people in need.
“We need to make sure we are fair, and that help is directed where it is needed. As such we felt it was time to review the single person’s discount and make sure our records are up to date.
“Council tax income is critical to fund essential services which benefit all our residents so it’s important we make sure households contribute their fair share.”
