Views sought on impending benefit changes (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Views sought on impending benefit changes

3:37pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News

A CONSULTATION programnme has been launched across the Hambleton and Richmondshire areas on changes to the council tax benefit system.

All working age people currently receiving benefit are likely to see changes to the amount they receive under new local schemes now being prepared for both district councils.

It follows the 2010 Spending Review, in which the Government announced that it would localise financial support for council tax from April next year.

Its means that council tax benefit - the current means of helping people on low incomes meet their council tax obligations - will be replaced by a new local support scheme.

And, with the amount of funding provided to local authorities to run such schemes at least 10 per cent less than is currently given, it could mean some people having to pay council tax for the first time.

However the new local schemes will only apply to anyone below pensionable age, with the shortfall of funding falling mostly on working age claimants.

Before schemes for the two councils are adopted a consultation exercise is being held to assess local views.

Letters have been sent to all current claimants and the survey can also be accessed by visiting the “have your say” area at hambleton.gov.uk or richmondshire.gov.uk.

Alternatively ask for a consultation form by ringing Hambleton on 0845 1211 555 or Richmondshire on 01748 829100.

Forms can also be collected from any council offices in Northallerton , Easingwold, Stokesley , Richmond , Reeth, Leyburn, Colburn or Hawes .

The consultation exercise runs until October 24.