Pensioners advised to check they're not paying too much Council Tax

A staggering 30,000 pensioners in Kent may be paying too much in Council Tax, according to the Kent Benefits Partnership.

Research by the Partnership suggests that many pensioners are unaware they could qualify for a rebate, they think the process is too difficult or they worry about the use of personal information and object to means testing.

Residents aged 60 or over who have less than £16,000 in savings and pay Council Tax may be entitled to a rebate or reduction. They can find out more by simply calling Kent Benefits Partnership on 0845 345 0310.

The Kent Benefits Partnership has been set up by all Kent's councils to ensure pensioners pay only the amount of Council Tax they ought to.

These are comments from some of the pensioners who are now benefiting by £700 on average after contacting the Kent Benefits Partnership:

'My late husband said he would not beg but my daughter persuaded me to apply.  You answered my claim immediately and said I would pay less council tax.  I can now help my grandchildren a little more, especially the one who's gone to University'

'The extra money will help keep my car on the road'

'I saw your advert and gave you a ring.  The telephone help was very helpful and I was told I could have someone come to help fill in the forms at home.  I decided I needed that help and once again you were there to help'

'I know I'll be able to pay other bills much more easily now'

'I decided to phone for help after seeing the amount of paperwork.  We had a home visit and this helped considerably'

'I appreciated the speed with which your staff processed my application'

'Most of all I liked the friendly help from staff.  Your service has been great'



For further information please contact: Daniel Whitmarsh on 01732 227414 or e-mail daniel.whitmarsh@sevenoaks.gov.uk