Residents asked for views on benefit changes (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Residents asked for views on benefit changes

7:30am Saturday 25th August 2012 in Local By Chris Gregory

RATEPAYERS in Hart have been asked for their views on whether to change the council tax benefit system.

The current system, designed to help residents on low incomes pay their council tax, will be abolished, under proposals announced by the Govern-ment in 2010.

Instead, local authorities like Hart District Council will be responsible for designing their own schemes of council tax benefit. The Government will still fund any scheme, but this funding will drop by 10 per cent for 2013/14.

Hart’s current proposal is to have a system that mirrors the one to be abolished, but other options included reducing the level of benefit to the 1,600 low-income residents who currently claim it. It has opened a consultation to get feedback on how the new scheme should work.

Councillor Ken Crookes , leader of Hart District Council, said: “The council is keen to minimise the impact of the changes to council tax benefit on those most in need and would welcome comments on the scheme proposed for 2013/14.”

Pensioners are exempt from the proposed changes, and the support they receive will continue to be calculated in the same way it is now.

To take part in the consultation, visit hart.gov. uk.