SCOTTISH Borders Council has been criticised after giving single people just two weeks to prove they are entitled to a council tax reduction.

Adults who live on their own, not counting children, are entitled to a 25 percent single occupancy council tax reduction.

However, on Wednesday March 13, Scottish Borders Council announced a region-wide review of who is currently receiving the discount, and sent letters to affected households demanding they fill out an online review before March 31.

Failure to do so, the letter says, will result in the discount being terminated.

Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell is planning on asking the members of Scottish Borders Council’s ruling administration to explain the short deadline at a full meeting of the council on Thursday 28 March.

Councillor Bell said: “There have been complaints on social media about the direct tone of the letter, a copy of which has been forwarded on to me.   

“I have told councillor Robin Tatler, the executive member for finance, that my concern is not so much the language, though that could be a little less blunt.

“I simply don’t think it is reasonable to give householders just two weeks to respond.  

“What if they are ill or away? This just generates anxiety.  

“The council should set an honest timescale and my question is intended to give councillor Tatler an opportunity to do this in public.”

Over 21,000 households across the Borders are currently in receipt of the reduction.

Speaking at the time of the review announcement, councillor Tatler said: “We would ask all householders in receipt of this discount to check their annual council tax bill and complete the online form as a matter of priority.

“Anyone who needs help to fill out the form, or would like to speak to someone about the review, should get in touch with one of our customer advisors who will be able to provide the advice they need.”