Rutland County Council is now carrying out its annual review of residents who receive a 25% Single Person Discount (SPD) on their Council Tax and asking people to confirm any changes in their personal circumstances.

Adults can claim SPD when they are the sole occupant of the property they live in. Councils review the discount every year to keep records up-to-date, as well as reminding anyone who may not have reported a change in circumstances that would make them ineligible for SPD.

Letters are being sent to people who are currently receiving the SPD in Rutland over the coming weeks, asking them to confirm their details. If you receive a letter, you must respond before the date given on the letter even if your details have not changed.

If you receive a letter and do not respond, your discount may be withdrawn while checks are carried out to confirm your status. Responses can be provided by text message using a code provided in the letter, by completing an online form found on the Council's website here .

Councillor Karen Payne, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: "The Single Person Discount allows us to support people who are living alone and make sure they're not overburdened by Council Tax commitments. Circumstances often change over time and, when they do, we need people to let us know if they become ineligible for SPD.

"This is so we're collecting the right amount of Council Tax – without that we cannot fund important local services, like social care for adults and children. We'd like to thank residents for their help and cooperation while we carry out the review."

For more information about Council Tax in Rutland, click here.

There is advice on financial support, including help to pay Council Tax, available for people whose household income has been affected by COVID-19, or who are are self-employed, or already receive benefits but need extra help, on the Council's website here or by calling 01572 722577.

Details about Rutland County Council's Annual Budget for 2021/2022 can be found here.