COUNCIL tax payers receiving the 25 per cent single person discount are being targeted in a new review in Richmondshire.

Residents currently receiving the discount will be asked to explain their circumstances so the district council can keep its records up to date.

“Whilst we are aware that most residents are claiming the discount appropriately there are, however, a minority who are attempting to defraud the system,” said corporate director Sian Moore.

“These residents may not have reported a change in their circumstances and are receiving the discount when they are no longer entitled to it. The review is a scheme used to detect those who are claiming a discount that they are no longer eligible for.”

A proportion of the 6,120 current discount holders will be asked to complete a form allowing them to notify any changes in circumstances.

“Anyone who does not complete this form will be subject to further investigations,” added Ms Moore.

“Richmondshire is dedicated to protecting the public purse and detecting fraud. We take council tax fraud very seriously."