Man convicted after admitting eight-year council tax fraud
Published 17 October 2025
A Blewbury resident has been convicted of two charges of fraud after admitting to falsely claiming a single person discount on his council tax over an eight-year period.
Mr Malcolm Reed, 65, from Eastfields, Blewbury, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 October and pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud. Mr Reed admitted falsely claiming to live alone despite living with his partner since September 2017.
This resulted in a loss to public funds totalling £3,428.26 between 19 September 2017 and 31 March 2025.
The fraud came to light following an anonymous tip-off, prompting an investigation. During the enquiry, Mr Reed provided conflicting accounts of when his partner had moved in, eventually confirming the date as September 2017. He also failed to declare a pension lump sum payment of £26,000.
In sentencing, Magistrates took into account Mr Reed’s previous good character and early guilty plea. As a result, they imposed a fine and ordered him to pay additional costs totalling £890.47, including a victim surcharge of £48.
Mr Reed has come to an arrangement with Vale of White Horse District Council to repay the whole council tax debt.
Residents in receipt of the Single Person Discount on their council tax are reminded of their legal obligation to notify the council of any change in circumstances that may affect their eligibility for the discount. In addition, the council conducts periodic reviews to verify that recipients continue to meet the criteria, specifically, that they remain the sole adult occupant of the property. If a resident’s circumstances change, they must inform the council tax team without delay by contacting the Council Tax office or completing the change of circumstances form. Failure to report any relevant changes within 21 days constitutes a criminal offence. This may result in the withdrawal of the discount and could lead to legal proceedings.
Councillor Mark Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Council tax helps fund important public services that benefit everyone and provides much needed support to many residents. If you are claiming a council tax discount you must inform us immediately if you have a change in circumstance. Fraud will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action where necessary.”
If you suspect that someone you know is illegally claiming a Single Person Discount, or potentially committing any other fraud on their council tax, please call the confidential 24-hour fraud hotline 01235 422483 or email fraud@southandvale.gov.uk.
Ends
Notes for Editors:
- The prosecution was brought under Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006 and Section 3 of the Fraud Act 2006.
