BASILDON council is cracking down on people who fraudulently claim the 25 per cent single person council tax discount.
Each year local authorities receive many applications for Single Person Discount.
However, some of these applications are not genuine, the council says, and just like benefit cheats, these people are claiming reductions in their bills falsely.
Councillor Stuart Sullivan, cabinet member for resources, said: "People who take advantage of the system are taking advantage of genuine taxpayers and this can't go on."
During the council's review of the Single Person Discount, each case will be considered on its own merits. Sometimes errors may be due to someone moving out recently or if there is a carer resident.
In these cases, the records will be corrected on receipt of the information. Those who choose not to declare the change will be investigated and their discount revoked if necessary.
When the council tax charge is set, the council has to take into account the reduction in the amount due because of people claiming discounts or exemptions.