Council tax consultation ends (From Watford Observer)

More than 400 people respond to Hertsmere Council's consultation on council tax benefits

3:42pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Hundreds of people responded to a consultation on controversial changes to council tax benefit, which ended yesterday.

Hertsmere Council representatives said over 400 people gave their views about the new scheme, which could see 3,000 low income families pay more because of cuts to government funding. The responses from the consultation will form part of a report on the changes, which will be available to the public in January.

Councillor Morris Bright, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, thanked everyone who took part.

He added: "It is obviously a very sensitive subject and we are dealing with this situation as responsibly as possible.

"We have been put into a very difficult position by the government. However, we must continue to work with the people to mitigate difficult situations, and to ensure this affects as few people as possible.

"This was a very valuable exercise because it is important we talk to people about how this may affect them."

The means tested council tax benefit system is to be scrapped by the coalition in April 2013, and control over who should receive subsidies is being handed to the authority.

Under the new council tax support proposals, only funding for pensioners, disabled people and parents with children under five will be protected.

The budget is also being cut by ten per cent – meaning Hertsmere Borough Council is facing an estimated funding deficit of around £827,000 over the next year.

This means others claiming council tax under the current scheme may have to contribute up to 20 per cent of their council tax bill.

The report will be discussed by the executive committee on January 9, and a decision about the proposed scheme will be made by full council on January 16.