Epsom’s council taxpayers who receive a reduction on their bills as single occupancy residents will be checked to ensure that the reductions are correct next month.

The checks form part of the council’s measures to prevent and detect fraud and protect the public purse.

Capita Local Government Services has been appointed by Surrey County Council to carry out a comprehensive review across the county, and will work with a credit reference agency to identify where people are claiming discounts to which they are not entitled.

The two-month review will start in August and involve just under 9,000 taxpayers in Epsom.

Councillor Neil Dallen, chairman of the strategy and resources committee, said: "Single person discount is an entitlement that the council is keen to ensure is claimed by taxpayers who are genuinely entitled, especially within the current economic climate.

"Sadly some applications are not genuine and these people are placing an unnecessary burden on other residents.

"We value our residents and understand that they expect value for money in the services we provide and we want them to know we are doing all we can to reduce fraud in the Borough".

Any taxpayers receiving a discount they feel may be incorrect should contact Epsom Council as soon as possible by calling 01372 732000 or emailing counciltax@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.