Council Tax and Business Rates provide much of the vital revenue that allows the Council to deliver its vast range of services. People across North East Lincolnshire who are facing genuine problems in paying their Council Tax are urged to seek support that could be available to them.
The Council acknowledges that many people are struggling with the cost of living, and the following links provide information on what reductions may be available to some people, and also provides advice for people who find themselves in a position where they cannot pay – seeking help is a difficult but important step to take.
Money off your Council Tax bill | NELC
Can’t afford to pay your Council Tax bill | NELC
The call to those struggling to pay their council tax bills comes as North East Lincolnshire Council releases its annual fraud report.
It reveals how, once again, evasion of Council Tax payment is a key area of investigation. Nationally this is an issue, with councils across the country estimated to lose more than £2-billion every year to fraud and error. Key areas the Council investigates include:
Single Person Discount. People living alone can apply for a 25% reduction in their Council Tax bill. Making a false application or failing to notify a change of circumstances, like an adult moving into an address, may amount to an offence. In the past year, the Council has identified in excess of £1.1 million through the removal of discounts following reviews.
Empty Properties. An increased Council Tax is now payable on properties that have been empty for an extended time – a national policy to bring properties back into use. The council has investigated cases where people have evaded those higher payments by saying there is someone living in the address. The loss to the council in some of these cases is more than £15,000 and, where identified, the Council will investigate and, in some cases, may consider prosecution. If you have a property that is empty and not registered correctly for Council Tax, please tell us.
Council Tax Support. This is money off Council Tax if you have less than £6,000 savings. Getting it will depend on who’s living in your home and the amount of money that’s coming in. Evidence of things like earnings, capital, and property, are assessed as part of the application. The Council investigates cases where people provide false information or fail to notify key changes to their circumstances – where fraud is detected the Council can consider issuing a caution, a penalty charge, or in some cases prosecution in the courts.
Business Rates. These are charges paid for commercial properties, similar to Council Tax. Some businesses are eligible for relief on their rates, or exemption from payment. Where the Council identifies that false information has been provided to obtain a reduction in payment an investigation will be commenced. It is important that businesses update the Council when they move in or out of properties and to provide contact details to allow the Council to keep in touch over discounts.
Insurance Claims. Many people have legitimate reasons to make claims in respect of personal accident and damage to property. The Council is aware of a number of claims that are not genuine and takes action to protect public funds. Working with other service areas the team has saved over £150,000 in the last year. Examples of where claims have been found to be false have included trip and falls, and damage to cars by driving over potholes.
Blue Badge Abuse. Many people are granted Blue Badges that allow parking in designated areas in support of disabilities, allowing people easier access to areas of their community. Some people misuse the pass, and the Council receives reports about this; many cases are investigated and have previously included prosecution in the courts. Improper use deprives those who need this valuable assistance, and the Council takes this area of abuse seriously.
In North East Lincolnshire, the authority says it actively investigates all fraud – but in doing so, it wants to ensure people know about the help available for those struggling to pay their Council Tax or Business Rates. The public are reminded that relevant information is always included on Council Tax bills and reminders.
Cllr Steve Harness, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Assets, explained how fraud impacted upon every resident.
“Fraud is not a victimless crime. Non-payment of Council Tax, for example, deprives people across the whole borough as the revenue generated makes a large contribution to work the council does in every area – from social care and supporting our young people and adults, to emptying the bins and improving our parks and open spaces,” he said.
“People must be aware of the consequences of not paying, but also remember that support and advice is there for those who are facing genuine financial problems,” he added.
Cllr Harness added: “We understand that the majority of the public pay their share of taxes and expect the council to act where others do not. The public are our eyes and ears when it comes to reporting fraud and we appreciate their help in tackling this issue.”
The council provides a hotline for those who wish to report fraud. People can phone 01472 326298 or email [email protected]
Reports can also be made using the following link Fraud report
The Council urges people to leave their contact details as it really helps where further information may be required to help an investigation – you can still remain anonymous, and your details would not be provided to anyone in the course of the investigation.
You can read the full Fraud Report at www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/fraud-and-corruption
- As this is issued, the council also wants to warn residents about a Council Tax scam. In other parts of the country there have been reports of an email that has been circulated to some Council Tax payers informing residents they have fallen into arrears. According to the reports, it asks them to click on a link. If you receive an email like this, it will not have come from North East Lincolnshire Council and clicking on the link may lead to criminals being able to access your device or may ask you for your banking details. Please be aware.
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