Details of a new local Council Tax Support Scheme to replace Council Tax Benefit are to be considered by St Albans City and District Council’s Cabinet.
At a meeting on 18 October, Cabinet will receive feedback from a consultation on a proposed new system of council tax discounts.
The Council is required to introduce a new scheme to replace Council Tax Benefit by 2013. This is as a result of the Government’s Welfare Reform Act which will abolish Council Tax Benefit.
Currently, the Government reimburses the Council for 100% of the amount of Council Tax Benefit paid to local claimants. Under the new system, the Council will be given a specific sum by the Government to make support payments. This is expected to be 90% of the amount that is currently processed under Council Tax Benefit.
Earlier this year, the Council produced a draft new scheme for consultation focused around offering protection to working age vulnerable groups.
Cllr Brian Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Housing for the Council, said: “In August, the Council invited more than 6,000 residents, including 5,000 Council Tax Benefit claimants, to take part in a survey about this proposed scheme. We are grateful to everyone who responded and are pleased with the response rate of 21.5%. We also conducted two focus groups, one comprising local voluntary groups and the other claimants. Cabinet will now consider the proposed scheme in the light of the feedback we have received.”
The
meeting on 18 October is open to the public and will take place at the Council’s offices at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans from 7pm. It can be watched on the Council’s website either live or at a later date.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Brian Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Housing for St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01582 767621
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson,
Media and Internal Communications Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk