Lincoln residents asked for views on council tax support changes

Lincoln residents are being asked for their thoughts on next year’s Council Tax Support Scheme.

City of Lincoln Council reviews the scheme each year, which helps the city’s poorest residents pay their council tax.

The council is seeking views on the options for 2016-17 before making a final decision in January next year.

The consultation will end on November 27, 2015.

Localised Council Tax Support schemes replaced the national council tax benefit on April 1, 2013 for working age claimants, with pensioners protected nationally.

Every council received around 10% less funding from central government to provide new, localised support schemes in its place.

The council will also consult with Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police – both of whom receive a share of council tax – before making a final decision.

Martin Walmsley, Head of the Shared Service for Revenues and Benefits at the city council, said: “Whether you receive Council Tax Support or not, we want to hear your views to make sure members can make an informed decision.

“For the last two years we have absorbed the impact of government cuts to Council Tax Support so our residents who cannot afford to pay their council tax have continued to get all the financial help they are entitled to. This is one of the options for next year, but we want to know what residents think.”

Residents can take part in the consultation on City of Lincoln Council’s website.