£61,000 tax discounts reclaimed

The figure was announced by the authority’s portfolio holder for finance Aaron Spencer and forms part of a £611,000 total from council’s across Lincolnshire.

Boston has dealt with 255 people who were claiming either fraudulently or in error, and has issued 98 penalties totalling £7,000.

Coun Spencer said: “This type of exercise is part of our fraud prevention measures which all Lincolnshire councils take very seriously.

“We do investigate and take appropriate action against people claiming council tax discount and exemptions that they are not entitled to.

“Every pound lost this way increases national and local taxation levels and also threatens essential services.”

Tax payers must notify authority’s within 21 days of any changes to their circumstances or face a penalty of £70.

A campaign last year by the Lincolnshire Counter Fraud Partnership encouraged people to come forward if their circumstances had changed.

To report fraud of any type call the confidential number 0800 0853716.