Changes to council tax benefit scheme

The government plans to abolish the national Council Tax Benefit scheme, and intends to replace it with a local support scheme particular to the needs of each district and borough authority.

From April 2013, central government will reduce the funding by 10 per cent and any gap will need to be covered by the respective local authority or through reducing benefit payments.

Councillor Norman Dingemans, Arun district council’s cabinet member for customer services, said: “Arun District Council has worked hard to find different ways to make up this funding gap in a way that protects the most vulnerable residents.”

Arun District Council wants to hear from the public on the changes which will relate to benefits, and discounts and exemptions to second homes and empty properties. The consultation will run until November 18.

West Sussex County Council and Arun District Council will also freeze their elements.