Consultation on changes to council tax benefits (From Enfield Independent)

Consultation on changes to council tax benefits

11:56am Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

People are being called to put forward their views on planned changes to council tax benefits which are due to change next year next year.

Enfield Council has opened a public consultation about council tax benefits which will change in April 2013.

The coalition Government will be abolishing the current National Council Tax Benefit Scheme and the council will have to set its own Local Support scheme to replace it.

Previously the Government fully funded council tax benefits, but due to cuts councils across the country will have to pay for any future increase in claimants.

Enfield Council estimate due to changes there could be a shortfall of more than £5million.

Under council proposals the authority will ask working age claimants of council tax benefit to pay towards their council tax.

This decision will affect all residents in the borough and the council is asking for people’s views on the changes with an online consultation which will run untill October 18.

Those interested in taking part in the consultation can do so by visiting http://www.enfield.gov.uk/ctaxconsultation.