Have your say on local council tax benefit

Currently all local authorities deliver council tax benefit on the Government's behalf but this national scheme is being scrapped. The Government has decided that it should be replaced with a local scheme in each council area from 1st April 2013.

A consultation is now asking for local people's views on the new, local system to help people in need pay their council tax bills in Cannock Chase.

More information about the proposed scheme and an online questionnaire are now available HERE

The Council is working with partner organisations and affected groups to make sure that as many people as possible have their say before the closing date of 16th November.

Two events are also being held at the Council's Civic Centre in Cannock where local people can find out more about the proposed local scheme on:

• Wednesday 7th November between 2pm and 4pm
• Tuesday 13th November between 10am and noon.

While the Government currently pays for council tax benefit, it will only give councils 90 per cent of the estimated cost, leaving a funding gap in Cannock Chase District of £775,000.

Government rules state there will be no changes for pensioners (a pensioner is defined as a person who has attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit). This means that Cannock Chase Council will have to reduce payments to working-age claimants and some could see a significant reduction in support.

The Government has instructed councils to consider protecting other vulnerable groups and Cannock Chase Council is looking to protect disabled people who receive a Severe Disability Premium and lone parents with a child under five.

Cllr Muriel Davis, Cannock Chase Council Health and Wellbeing Leader, said: "The Council's priority is to agree a scheme that protects the District's most financially vulnerable residents - but we need local people's help to do this. We want to ensure the voices of all residents are heard before any changes are agreed.

"The choices outlined have been designed to ensure we can protect our most financially vulnerable residents. No final decision will be made, however, until we've heard from as many local residents as possible."