Council Tax benefits consultation launched

South Cambridgeshire District Council's crest.


Council Tax benefits consultation launched

South Cambridgeshire District Council asking for residents’ views on how the most vulnerable people in South Cambridgeshire can continue to be protected following government cuts in funding for Council Tax benefits.

A consultation is being launched on 1 August on how the Council will manage the cut in funding – which will be around 10% – as from April the responsibility for Council Tax benefits is being handed over by central government.

Government guidelines mean there will be no change to the help pensioners currently receive, and the Council is also suggesting protecting people with disabilities, their careers, as well as lone parents with children under five – totalling over half of people claiming support.

Options being consulted on include setting a maximum limit on the amount of Council Tax benefit that can be paid, increasing contributions from adult members of the household who do not receive the benefit, or a blanket reduction for all claimants who won’t be protected.

To make sure proposals for public consultation reflect local needs, council officers have already held workshops with key groups who currently receive benefits – a step most other councils have not taken.

To help reduce the impact of reductions to benefits, the Council is also consulting on changes that would see an end to exemptions for vacant and second homes, and suggest a move to try and get homes that have been empty for more than two years back into use by charging a premium on Council Tax.

Cllr Ray Manning, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Clearly no one has a desire to reduce the support offered, but the reality is we will have less funding and we must find a system that is affordable while still protecting the most vulnerable.

"We have already carried out work with key groups who receive support to help shape the options we have put forward for public consultation, but now is the time for everyone to have their say before any decisions are made.”

You can respond to the consultation – which runs until Friday 5 October – by visiting www.scambs.gov.uk/ctsupport or by attending one of the Council’s public events:

  • Monday 3 September, 3.30pm – 8pm, Longstanton Village Institute, 24 High Street.
  • Tuesday 4 September, 3.30pm – 8pm, Gamlingay Village College, Station Road.
  • Wednesday 5 September, 3.30pm – 8pm, Great Shelford Memorial Hall, Woollards Lane.
  • Saturday 8 September, noon – 4pm, Impington Village College, New Road.
  • Monday 10 September, 3.30pm – 8pm, All Saints Church Hall, Church End, Cottenham.
  • Wednesday 12 September, noon – 4pm, Linton Village College, Cambridge Road.
  • Saturday 29 September, noon – 4pm, Melbourn Village Hall, Station Road.


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