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<p>There are no social security benefits relating to housing costs or council tax
that are available only to single people. There is a reduction of 25% in the council
tax payable available to those who live alone, but the administration of this is a
matter for local authorities. </p><p> </p><p>Generally, suspicions that claimants
may be living together as if they were married or in a civil partnership without informing
the relevant benefit payer come from various sources, including members of the public
and members of staff. The Department currently does not investigate cases that only
involve housing benefit as these are a matter for local authorities.</p><p> </p><p>Council
tax benefit ceased to exist on 1 April 2013 and has been replaced by the local council
tax reduction (LCTR) scheme, the administration of which is a matter for local authorities.
</p><p> </p>
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