Council plans to give tax break to the borough’s least well-off (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Council plans to give tax break to the borough’s least well-off

3:03pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

Pensioners, the low paid and the borough’s least well-off families could be given a tax break under plans being considered by Wandsworth Council.

The proposals have been drawn up in response to a government announcement it is reducing funding it gives to town halls to pay for council tax benefit by ten per cent.

Ministers have said local authorities will be given a grant, but will have to come up with their own schemes from next April.

Instead of forcing the poor to pay, the council would pick up the cost.

The shortfall will be made up by changes to discounts and exemptions that apply to second homes and empty properties.

Councillor Guy Senior said: "In many other parts of the country, people on low incomes may soon find themselves having to pay council tax for the first time.

"Here in Wandsworth, we want to do what we can to protect pensioners, the low-paid and vulnerable families who are already struggling to pay their bills."

Wandsworth is now consulting the public on its preferred approach.

Around 23,000 people living in Wandsworth are currently eligible for council tax benefit. This includes more than 8,500 pensioners and 14,400 people of working age. The existing cost of the borough’s scheme is just under £11m.