Council tax benefit to end
THE unemployed and those on low incomes face paying more for council services after April 2013 when the government has announced council tax benefit will end.
Councils are instead being told to come up with local tax support schemes for people who need help paying their council tax.
Leeds City Council has now launched a public consultation, asking people how they can continue to support those most in need.
Coun Keith Wakefield leader of Leeds City Council said: “We have some really difficult decisions to make as these changes will affect some of the most vulnerable people in our city, and will leave us with even less money to support them.
“We already have massive savings to make, so this will put even more strain on the money we need to spend on essential services.
“This is why we need to know what people in Leeds think about the choices we have to make, so we can make the best decision in these difficult circumstances.”
Pensioners who receive council tax benefit have been told they will be protected from any changes.
A survey that is being sent to those on the benefit will also ask their views on charging council tax on empty properties and second homes.
The consultation will end at the start of November and a final decision on the new scheme will be made early in the new year.
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Weather for Leeds,Yorkshire
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
