Give your opinion on tax benefit plans (From Salisbury Journal)

Give your opinion on tax benefit plans

1:13pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Headlines By Journal Reporter

WILTSHIRE residents are being asked to have their say on a new locally-run Council Tax Support Scheme.

Council tax benefit is a national scheme which people can receive if they pay council tax and their income and savings are below a certain level. From April 2013, national council tax benefit is being stopped by the government and councils are asked to introduce and run a new discount scheme.

Wiltshire Council is asking residents for their opinions. The consultation runs until October 30.

John Thompson, the council’s Cabinet member for housing, said: “With the reduction in government funding, we will have to make some tough choices about who gets help and how much. The proposals ensure the elderly are protected, everyone pays something and people are encouraged to work.

“It is vital that all residents, whether or not they receive council tax benefit, look very carefully at the proposal and let us know what you think”

To view proposals and comment visit wiltshire.gov.uk/counciltaxsupportscheme .