BCP Tory group leader claimed council tax discount 'by mistake'
'Even I’ve fallen foul to ‘ticked the wrong box syndrome’'
The leader of the Conservative group on Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has admitted to underpaying council tax.
Phil Broadhead claimed the single person's discount by 'mistake', despite not being eligible.
He says he's since repaid it - and blamed the local authority's website for not being in 'plain English'.
BCP Council says it's worked hard to make its online systems clear and easy to use.
'Form filling has become a necessary slog'
Phil Broadhead said: "With everything now often done ‘online only’, form filling has become a necessary slog.
"So it’s vital those online services are accessible, easy and idiot-proof. Even I’ve fallen foul to ‘ticked the wrong box syndrome’, so imagine how tough it is for those vulnerable.
"See my below letter to the Echo calling on a plain English and ‘ease test’ on BCP Council’s services as they move to their ‘digital first’ approach.
"It’s time to ensure that the box ticking culture makes life easier for people, not harder."
'We have worked hard to make our online systems clear and easy to use'
A spokesperson from BCP Council told us: “When an individual moves house they have to register for Council Tax at their new address and can choose to do that using a paper form or online. If they choose to use the online service, they complete the form, including a confirmation screen which shows any discounts being requested. They are then sent an email every year, asking them to check that the details are still correct and that their circumstances have not changed, which also confirms any discounts being applied.
“We have worked hard to make our online systems clear and easy to use and residents are also able to contact us if they have any questions.
“As part of routine checks undertaken by BCP Council, working alongside the national fraud initiative, discrepancies between council tax payments and individual circumstances are flagged to us.
“We then contact those individuals to make them aware and discuss repayment options, including applying a penalty where appropriate.”