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10/09/2012: Changes to Council Tax Benefit - Have your say!

Craven District Council is consulting on proposed changes to the present Council Tax benefit system which will be abolished in April 2013 and hopes that residents will take part in this consultation.

The responsibility for benefit payments will be transferred to Local Authorities which must set up local schemes to be known as Council Tax Support.

Because of central government's decision to reduce the available funding by more than 10% these changes in Craven will create a shortfall of up to £450,000 in the next financial year (2013/14).

Leader of the Council Chris Knowles-Fitton says "Those claimants whose benefits are not protected will face a reduction in Council tax support still to be determined. However, there are certain categories of existing claimants, pensioners for example, whose level of benefit will be protected and because there is in Craven a higher proportion of pensioners ( 60% )than anywhere else in England the impact on those whose benefits are not protected will be much greater, effectively turning claimants benefits into a postcode lottery.

Councillor Knowles - Fitton continued: "There are approximately 1500 working age recipients of council tax benefit in Craven more than half of whom don't currently pay any council tax at all. The proposed changes mean that nearly all working age claimants will have to pay something. This is a significant change and it is vital that those likely to be affected understand the potential impact of the new legislation and take part in the consultation."

To have your say you can either complete an online survey available from the home page of the council website at www.cravendc.gov.uk or download a paper copy to fill in. Alternatively copies of the survey are available at our Council offices or call customer Services on 01756 700600 to receive a copy of the form. The consultation will end on 9th November 2012.

The Council is also consulting with their resident's panel and will be sending survey forms out with council tax bills over the next few weeks.

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