Review begins of Council Tax single person discount

Lancaster City Council has launched a review of households currently receiving a single person Council Tax discount to ensure support is reaching only those who are eligible.

Across the Lancaster district there are approximately 24,000 households in receipt of the 25 per cent discount, with the scheme worth a total saving of £11.2 million to those households.

As part of the review the council will be contacting residents who receive the discount where there may have been a change to ask them to confirm whether their circumstances are still the same and that they are still eligible. It is important that residents respond when contacted and failure to do so may result in a revised bill being issued based on the loss of the discount.

Additional household residency checks may also be carried out to ensure the data held by the council is accurate.

Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for finance, said: “Most residents who claim the single person discount are doing so correctly. However, people’s circumstances can change and sometimes the council is not told straight away.

“This review provides the opportunity for people to check their details and tell us if anything has changed. On the other hand, anyone who believes they may be entitled to the single person discount or other support for their Council Tax bill, but is not currently claiming it, should visit our website, or call in to the town halls, for more information on the help that’s available.”

The council is working with its software supplier, NEC Software Solutions, on the review and letters will be distributed soon.

Last updated: 20 April 2026