Have your say on the proposed new local council tax support scheme

Last updated: 04 October 2012 15:17

Have your say

Portsmouth City Council want residents to give their views on the proposed new local council tax support scheme before 16 November 2012.

The Government are abolishing council tax benefit under the Welfare Reform Act 2012. Instead all local authorities have to set up their own local council tax support scheme which will start in April 2013.

The Government are reducing the amount they give to local authorities to pay for the scheme by 10% - meaning some tough decisions will need to be made locally. Pensioners must be protected though so their council tax support will not change under the new scheme.

Residents can view the proposed local scheme for Portsmouth online at
www.portsmouth.gov.uk/counciltaxreform before completing a short online survey with their views.

Alternatively pop in to one of our Wednesday afternoon road shows which are being held at Co-op stores across Portsmouth from 2pm – 4pm
• 10 October – Co-op, Twyford Avenue, Stamshaw
• 17 October – Co-op, Sultan Road, Buckland
• 24 October – Co-op, The Hard, Portsea
• 31 October – Co-op, St James's Road, Somerstown
• 7 November – Co-op, Francis Avenue, Central Southsea
Or call 023 9283 4092 for a paper copy of the proposal and survey.

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said: “The city council is faced with a deep cut in government funding but must introduce a local council tax support scheme from April 2013. The scheme we are proposing will meet the Government's tough requirements but will still give as much help as possible to people struggling to pay council tax.”

Portsmouth City Council is keen for residents to give their views on the proposed scheme and want as many people as possible to read the draft scheme and complete the survey before 16 November 2012. Councillors will then consider all responses before agreeing the final scheme.

Date : 03 October 2012