Council tax consultation response

14 October 2011

In August the Government announced a consultation on plans for the localisation of council tax support in England from 2013-14.

Plans proposed to localise support for council tax from 2013-14, giving councils increased financial autonomy and a greater stake in the economic future of their local area. The consultation identified the aim of reducing the budget by 10% whilst acting as an incentive for work.

Action for M.E. has responded to the consultation, opposing these proposals and identifying the following concerns:

• The introduction of these reforms, effectively devolving the administration of passported benefits to local authorities, will exacerbate the problems of ‘postcode lottery’ faced by people with M.E.
• The proposed cut to the council tax benefit budget will undermine other policy objectives to support people with disabilities and tackling child poverty.
  
• It is unreasonable to remove this much-needed support from people with M.E., the majority of whom like to work but face a number of barriers to employment.

Have a look at our other news stories.