Council Tax single occupancy discount review (FAQs)

We’re currently reviewing all single occupancy discounts for residents who live alone. To help with any questions you might have, we’ve included some frequently asked questions below.

Why have I received this letter?

The council are currently reviewing the circumstances of all people who are claiming the single occupancy discount. We are simply verifying that your eligibility to the single occupancy discount is still valid.

How do I complete the form?

The easiest way to reply to the review is by using the text messaging or online services. Please refer to your letter for instructions on how to do this using your 6-digit unique code.

What happens if I don’t complete the form?

We will assume that your situation has changed and we’ll remove your discount. You will receive a new Council Tax bill.

What happens if the form is completed after the 14-day deadline given?

If the form is not returned within 14 days, you will receive a reminder letter. If you fail to return the reminder letter, we will assume your situation has changed and will remove your discount. You’ll receive a new Council Tax bill.

I want to complete the paper form but need some help.

If you are the only adult living at the property, please tick the box on the right at the top of your form. Proceed to complete Section C and D if these are applicable to you.

If you are no longer the only adult living at the property, please tick the box on the left at the top of your form and provide the additional persons information in section A.

Sign, print and date the form and return it to the address provided at bottom of your letter. Please note any letters sent without a stamp will not be received and your discount may be removed as a result.

Why am I being asked to return my information to a Nottingham address?

The address provided on your letter is a secure local government scanning facility based in Nottingham who provide services to many local authorities.

What should I do if someone is using my address for correspondence only or I receive mail for previous occupants?

This will not affect your eligibility for single occupancy discount if you are still the only adult living at the property. We recommend you return any unexpected mail not addressed to yourself, back to the sender.

A friend / relative stays with me a few nights a week, does this mean that I am no longer eligible?

If your friend or relative keeps their belongings at your house, then your address will be classed as their main residence. Therefore, you would no longer be eligible for single occupancy discount and will need to declare their information during the review.

I have already informed the Council of a change in circumstances. Do I need to complete the form?

Yes. Please include all the details of your current situation.

Why have I received a text message after I have completed the form?

To make sure that everyone is paying the right amount of tax, we occasionally carry out further checks to verify your validity to claim single occupancy discount after we’ve received your response. To prevent your discount from being removed, please follow the links included in the second text message and complete the form.

How do I know the text messages are from the Council?

Any text messages sent from the Council regarding the single person discount review will come from ‘Edinburgh’ and will follow on from the ‘Thank you’ text received once you complete your declaration. You will also only be able to log in with your Council Tax account number and post code.

What happens if I receive a second text message and I don’t complete the form?

We will assume your situation has changed and we’ll remove your discount. You will receive a new Council Tax bill.

What should I do if my circumstances are not covered in the examples above?

If you are still not sure how to complete the form, or your circumstances are not covered, please use the online form, and select 'Other' (My circumstances are not covered by the categories above) to write an explanation of your current situation.

Alternatively, please return the paper form to the address at the bottom of your letter, with a covering letter with an explanation of your current situation.