October 11, 2013 9.54 am This story is over 132 months old

Support for poor to pay Lincoln council tax to continue

Continued support: City of Lincoln Council wants to continue a support scheme that helps the Lincoln’s poorest pay their council tax.

The City of Lincoln Council wants to continue a support scheme that helps the city’s poorest pay their council tax.

The council’s agreed the terms at this month’s Executive Committee, meaning the current scheme will continue next year.

Struggling residents can receive up to 100% off their council tax bill.

The scheme, which launched on April 1 this year to replace council tax benefit for working age claimants, aims to protect poor residents from a 10% cut from Government to local authority funding.

While some authorities cut the financial help available to keep in line with cuts, the city council created the new localised support scheme.

The council will now need to consult with Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police, which both receive a share of council tax, before making a final decision.

City Council Leader Ric Metcalfe said: “Despite the financial pressures we’re under, we are committed to continuing to help our most vulnerable residents by limiting the impact of welfare reform.

“Because pensioners are protected from any changes, the 10% funding reduction from the government actually would have meant a 17% reduction in council tax support for working age claimants if we had passed on the cut.

“However, one of our main priorities is to protect the city’s poorest people and reduce poverty and that is why we have recommended we continue with our existing support scheme.”

Residents can comment on the proposals by emailing [email protected] or calling 01522 873355.