COUNCIL tax benefits are changing, and Luton Borough Council wants to hear people’s views on what savings it should make to protect people’s benefits.
From next April, the current national system of council tax benefit for people on low incomes is being changed to individual local schemes run by councils.
Councils will see their government funding for council tax benefit cut by 10 per cent, and Luton councillors say they will need to save £2.5 million elsewhere so that people’s benefits are not affected.
A spokesman said: “The government has specified that certain groups such as pensioners must be protected and see no change to their council tax benefit entitlement.
“But all other working age recipients are likely to be affected.
“Luton is determined to protect all local vulnerable people as much as possible, even though there will be 10 per cent less money from the government.
“This also means that any increase in council tax support spending, including a rise in the number of people claiming support, must be funded by the council on top of the 10 per cent funding cut.”
One way the council is looking at saving money is by reviewing council tax discounts and exemptions currently applied to empty properties, including long-term empty homes and second homes.
From August 6 until October 5, people will be able to take part in a consultation on Luton’s new council tax benefit scheme.
Consultation forums will take place in the Town Hall’s council chamber on Wednesday, August 15 and Thursday, August 30 at 6pm.
People can also take part at www.luton.gov.uk, or pick up a questionnaire from the Town Hall, Futures House in Marsh Farm, Lewsey Community Centre or Farley Community Centre.