Hackney Council’s Council Tax Support Scheme – consulation

Another consultation! Have your say on the local council tax support scheme – Go to this page on Hackney Council’s website to find out more http://www.hackney.gov.uk/cts-consultation.htm The deadline is 22 October. The Council says:

Why we are consulting: The government is abolishing the current national council tax benefit scheme and cutting funding for its replacement. All councils across the country must replace it with a local council tax support scheme on 1 April 2013. Because it could mean changes for Hackney residents and local services, we want to know your views on a proposed local scheme.

The proposals: We think the most manageable way of dealing with the government’s reduction is by spreading it across the claims of the 27,700 working-age claimants.

This means that all council tax benefits claimants (except pensioners) will have to contribute amounts from less than £1 to up to £3.76 a week (based on a band D property in receipt of 100% council tax benefit).

All current council tax benefit claimants of working age would have to pay at least 15% of their weekly council tax bill.

There will be no change to the amount of help pensioners receive.
Currently, second adult rebates are paid to claimants whose own income is too high to receive council tax benefit, but have another adult or adults living in the household whose income is low. This would be abolished for working age claimants.

All other application and assessment processes will remain unchanged from the current council tax benefit scheme.

You can also send in a paper copy of the questionnaire (PDF, 200KB), or a letter, to:

Freepost LON 18819
Consultation Team
Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street
London, E8 1EA.

To speak to someone about the scheme or request a paper copy, call 020 8356 3005 or email consultation@hackney.gov.uk