HCC - 03/26 - Provision of 2026 Council Tax Reviews Framework

The Framework is let by HCC so the Billing Authorities in Hertfordshire, which are the District and Borough Councils can engage the Provider(s) to review the discounts and exemptions within their Council Tax records. The Billing Authorities are: • North Herts District Council • Three Rivers District Council • Broxbourne Borough Council • East Herts District Council • St. Albans City and District Council • Hertsmere Borough Council • Stevenage Borough Council • Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council • Dacorum Borough Council • Watford Borough Council The Framework will consist of three Lots as per the below table. The Council would expect that the Tenderers would be able to supply one, two or all of these types of review. For the single person discount, if residents are found to be incorrectly claiming a discount on council tax by stating that they are a single person and should receive the 25% discount when they should not, then this discount should be removed. For the known and unknown empty property review this should concentrate on the review of premium exemptions in the Council Tax scheme, this could apply to long-term empty properties and second homes. Local Authorities can charge a Council Tax premium on empty properties and second homes in their areas. These are properties that are furnished but not used as anyone’s primary residence. If owners are found to be living or letting a second home, which they have formerly said is 'empty and unfurnished' or ‘uninhabitable’, then any discount may be removed, and a premium charge may be applied. For the other reviews concerned with exemptions and discounts we are looking for providers to use innovative solutions to review the other exemptions and discounts in the scheme. For example, this could be around student exemptions. Residents can re-apply for any discount or exemption post review, and the District Council will require monitoring of all re-applications. Lot number Lot Title Lot 1 Single Person Discount Review Lot 2 R