SINGLETONS in Helensburgh are to be probed by Argyll and Bute Council to see if they're falsely claiming their 25 per cent council tax discount.

And authority officials have warned that anyone who gets a letter asking about a change in their circumstances, and who doesn't respond, will be stripped of the discount.

Council officials are currently working to find out when an adult is claiming the discount when they are not the sole adult occupant of their property.

The authority insists that while most residents who claim the cut are genuinely eligible, it believes there are some who may not have reported a change in their circumstances.

As part of the council's review, some people may receive a letter requesting more information about their current circumstances. If you receive this letter it is compulsory that you respond.

The authority said in a statement: "Argyll and Bute Council is dedicated to protecting the public purse and detecting fraud.

"Council tax misrepresentation is taken very seriously."

Council tax in Argyll and Bute is currently set at a 'band D' rate of £1,249, though those eligible for the single person discount see that reduced by £312.25.

However, it's widely expected that council tax in the area will rise when the authority sets its 2019-20 budget in February.