The government is making dramatic changes to the country’s welfare system. This involves local councils being asked to come up with new local council tax support schemes to replace council tax benefits. At the same time, the government is cutting the amount of money each district is given to pay for this council tax support.
As a result of this, North Devon Council is encouraging local residents to have their say on the major changes being proposed, which will directly affect working-age people who currently receive council tax benefit.
North Devon Council also invites businesses to express their views on the proposed council tax support scheme, as the impact of these changes could affect customers.
The major changes will need to take into account a 10% reduction in what North Devon Council has to pay for council tax support. It is proposed this will mean people of working age will face a reduction in support from April 2013, while pensioners and some other vulnerable groups are protected from the cuts.
An eight-week consultation is now taking place, with a general survey available at www.northdevon.gov.uk/benefits, as well as a copy of the full draft scheme. If you would like to share your views, please go online and complete the survey before Monday 1 October 2012.
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