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We are carrying out a review of all households within the Stratford-on-Avon District Council area claiming single occupier discount on their council tax bill. Over 21,000 Council Tax payers in the council area currently receive a 25% single occupier discount.
This exercise is being undertaken by Civica on behalf of the Council. Our aim is to provide residents with the best possible service during the review by offering clear instructions for completing the forms that should be returned.
However, sometimes, circumstances may not be so easy to explain. To help in these situations, we have included below, the most frequently asked questions that can arise throughout the period of the review.
Each year we receive lots of applications for single occupier discount, the council has a duty to ensure that where a discount is awarded there is a genuine entitlement to that discount. We are simply verifying that you are still entitled to it.
Please fill out and return the form using the envelope provided.
If you are the only adult over 18 occupying your property, simply tick the relevant box, sign and date the form at the bottom and return to the address at the bottom of the letter.
If there is more than one adult living at the property, please provide their name, date of birth, the date on which they moved in and their previous address. If you think they should not be counted for Council Tax purposes, for example if they are an apprentice, have recently left school or are a student at college or University you should include them on the form and tell us why. Please include details of, their date of birth, the name of the school, college or university they attend and if their term time address is away from home, their address whilst they are studying. Evidence may be required such as a bank statement to show that you are getting Child Benefit for the person over 18.
We may need to contact you again for more information so it is helpful if you provide us with an email address or telephone number. Or, if you need assistance with what evidence you may need to provide, phone 0300 373 0612.
We will assume that your circumstances have changed and you are no longer entitled to the discount. Your single occupier discount will be removed and a revised demand will be sent to you.
As long as the form is returned within a reasonable amount of time, you will not be penalised. If the form is very late, you may end up receiving a reminder letter. If you do receive a reminder letter, you should complete the form as previously requested.
Please provide their name and the address at which they actually live so that it can be verified. You can supply more information if you think it relevant to assist your claim.
Yes; please include all the details of your current situation.
You need to write on the envelope that the person no longer lives at the address and return it to the sender.
If your friend keeps their belongings at your house it will be classed as their main residence and you will no longer be eligible for the discount. Some of the questions we may ask are:
You should provide as much information as possible – if necessary, you can use a separate sheet. If you are unsure, please email: SPD@Stratford-dc.gov.uk or phone 0300 373 0612 for advice.
Civica provides services in revenues and benefits processing work for many local authorities throughout the country. Civica has a dedicated and specialist team of experienced Council Tax officers to carry out discount reviews. The law allows for the contracting out of Council Tax functions.
All returned forms are being handled by Civica at their specialist mailing centre at, PO Box 2049 ,Pershore, WR10 9EZ . The information you provide will be electronically scanned onto your Council Tax account.
Civica matches the Council Tax database with third party sources and specialist validation services. Addresses of those in receipt of a single occupier discount are passed to Experian who run a search to match other data sources such as the electoral register or credit agreements. Experian then provides Civica with a list of possible adults at the property.
No. Civica processes the data for the correct purposes i.e. the levying and collection of a tax. The data is held for as long as required then destroyed. No database is compiled that could be shared with or accessed by other bodies or sources. You can view Experian's Privacy Notice .
We do not hold any credit information. If you want to see your credit file, you should contact any of the major credit referencing agencies:
For any further queries, please contact:
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