'Further to go' in council tax crackdown
BBCA local authority's crackdown on council tax fraud has helped contribute towards an 840-household reduction in single-person discount claims.
In March last year, Hartlepool Borough Council had 17,411 people claiming the discount, which was about 40% of chargeable properties in the area.
That was above the national average of 34% and represented an approximate 2,000 household increase over five years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
As of the end of May 2025, the figure was down to 16,568 households making a claim.
The 25% concession is available if only one person aged 18 or over lives at a property as their sole or main residence.
It can also be claimed where there are two adults living at a property, but where one is disregarded for council tax, for example because they are a full-time student.
The council last year said it was going to look at targeting people wrongly claiming the discount, either intentionally and unintentionally.
'Eye-opening' fraud
It initially aimed for a reduction of 400 households claiming the discount for 2024/25, which it said would bring in about £150,000.
However, the latest meeting of its finance and corporate affairs committee heard there had been a reduction of about 840 households as of the end of May.
James Magog, director of finance, IT and digital, said it represented a reduction of approximately 5% over the year.
He added: "We do think there is further to go. Some of the fraud cases we've identified are quite eye-opening, it's fair to say, and we do continue this work.
"I am hoping that figure will continue to come down whilst still ensuring people who are eligible for single-person discount can claim."
A meeting earlier this year heard the currently Labour-led council had two fraud officers looking into cases.
The introduction of the campaign was approved in February 2024 as part of budget plans for 2024/25 from the then-leading Conservative and independent coalition.