Council-tax benefit cuts to hit thousands

Cuts in support to pay council-tax bills could hit thousands of the Borough’s poorest households.

A shake-up to council-tax benefit will see councils handed the power to administer the benefits — but 10 per cent savings have to be made.

The Government accepts there will be losers and that services could also have to be cut to meet the funding shortfall.

Critics have branded the move a “return of the poll tax”, and accused the Government of shifting the financial risk, and blame for centrally-imposed cuts, on to councils.

But the Government said councils have the freedom on how to find the savings, either by cutting the number of people receiving council-tax benefit or reducing the amounts paid out, and said reforms including waiving tax relief on empty homes and second homes can generate cash.

Elderly people are protected from the cuts.