WARRINGTON people are being asked for their views on Government plans for a local replacement for the current Council Tax Benefit (CTB).
Fears are that proposed changes could lead to a £1.34 million shortfall on the local benefits budget.
The borough council is consulting, until November 5, on plans to stop the current benefit next April as part of the Government’s welfare reform.
The executive board approved a consultation on a range of proposals to find a local solution. The Government proposes a 10 per cent reduction in expenditure on any scheme to replace CTB – which locally translates to a £1.34 million shortfall.
In the borough this year 18,000 households received CTB, just under half of which are pensioners, and their entitlement will not be affected following a pledge of protection from reform by the government. Changes will only affect those of working age.
Cllr Russ Bowden (pictured), the council’s executive member for corporate resources said: “The timescales for change imposed on us are tight; the new system needs to be in place and ready to go at the start of the next financial year.
“This is why it is so important that as many people as possible have their say in the coming weeks to help us choose the solution that best fits Warrington’s needs.”
The consultation will look at ways that those under pensionable age, who receive CTB, can pay something towards their bill.
The document can be found on the council’s website www.warrington.gov.uk/consultation Paper copies will soon be available in the reception areas of key council buildings, such as Contact Warrington and New Town House.
Feedback is accepted via post at Council Tax Support Scheme Consultation, PO Box 5, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NH.
A series of drop in sessions at Contact Warrington, Horsemarket Street have been arranged in October on Tuesday 2, 9am to 1pm; Thursday 11, 1pm to 4pm; Tuesday 16, 9am to 1pm; Thursday 18, 1pm to 4pm; Saturday 20, 9am to 1pm; Tuesday 23, 9am to 1pm; Tuesday 30, 1pm to 4pm .
Anyone who cannot attend the sessions can get information from the Benefits Service on 01925 443331
Council consults on new benefits
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
