Following a public consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council has agreed changes to its Council Tax Support Scheme which will increase support available to the most vulnerable residents at a time when living costs are rising.
The Council Tax Support Scheme sets out how working age residents, people with disabilities and carers on low incomes can claim a reduction on their Council Tax in Central Bedfordshire.
The changes could see approximately 10,000 residents pay no Council Tax at all, and around 3,000 pay less than they do now. The new changes will come into effect from April 2023.
Cllr David Shelvey, Executive Member for Corporate Resources, said: “We’ve simplified the Scheme and by doing this we have also been able to increase the support available to residents.
“At a time when those on lower incomes are worried about the rising cost of living, we wanted to ensure the changes to simplify the Scheme continued to support the most vulnerable residents in our communities and support those who can work to do so.
“The new Scheme means residents can earn a bit more and their Council Tax Support will not change. It also provides greater certainty to residents about what they need to pay which is incredibly important at a time when budgeting is becoming harder for those on low incomes.”
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