Changes to Council Tax Benefit

All working age people who currently receive council tax benefit are likely to see changes to the amount they receive from 1 April 2013 under the new Council Tax Support scheme.

This has come about after the Government's 2010 Spending Review when it announced that support for council tax would be localised (set by each local council across the UK).

We have adopted a council tax support scheme following widespread consultation. The result of this consultation showed significant support (68%) for the council's scheme which retains all the protections contained in the current Council Tax Benefit scheme whilst funding the savings required from a combination of reducing the support given to claimants of working age and using the additional income that we get from second homes in the borough.

Our council tax support scheme will consist of a 12% reduction in council tax benefit for all claimants of working age. Any pensioners who claim will be protected and not see a reduction in their council tax benefit.

We have accepted additional Government funding to limit the reduction to 8.5% for the first year (2013).

The majority of claimants will be no more than £100 per year worse off (less than £2 per week) as a result of the changes and those affected should have now received letters outlining the change.

Claimants of pension age will not be affected by these changes.

This only relates to council tax benefit, other council tax discounts such as single person discount or student discount will not be affected by these changes.

For more information download a full copy of our Council Tax Support scheme or contact 01200 425111.

Our Council Tax Support Scheme will start on 1 April 2013.