Torbay to review thousands of council tax discounts

Torbay Council is carrying out a mandatory review of council tax accounts where a single person discount has been applied.

The review, which affects around 24,000 households across Torbay, will assess whether those currently receiving the 25 per cent discount remain eligible under the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

The council says ensuring all residents pay the correct amount is vital to maintain essential local services.

To support the review, the council says that it has partnered with Datatank, which will screen relevant accounts against credit records to help identify households where eligibility may be unclear.

Only households flagged during this process will receive a canvass email or letter requesting further information.

Residents can respond to the canvass by post, online, or via text message — free of charge. Online responses are the quickest and most popular method. Paper forms should be returned to: PO Box 11326, Nottingham, NG1 9RE.

The council is urging everyone who receives a canvass to respond, even if their circumstances have not changed. 

Those who do not respond to the council review risk having their discount removed from  April 1, 2024, which could result in a higher council tax bill and adjusted instalments.

The review is expected to take around four months, with all letters sent by the end of September 2025.

More information is available online from the council website: www.torbay.gov.uk/counciltax