Liberal Democrat Executive Councillor Carol Runciman has pushed for a review of the support for people on council tax benefit and this has been supported by the council’s Executive for a consultation between 2^nd November and 29^th November. People on the lowest incomes have had to pay 30% of their council tax since York, under Labour control in 2013, decided to be one of just 9 councils in the country to limit support to 70% of council tax. A scheme to help people in dire circumstances has been underspent as so few people have applied. Therefore the council’s consultation, which has also come as a result of a campaign by ‘Advice York’ is asking residents for their views in time for the next budget to come into effect on 1^st April 2016.

Residents can comment on the council’s website https://www.york.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport

Your local Westfield Liberal Democrat councillors are supporting the reduction so that the people in most need get the support that they would get automatically if they lived in other council areas.

Westfield residents can get information on this (and check if they can get more support with council tax benefit) at Acomb Explore on 17^th November 2pm-7:30pm

Cllr Keith Aspden, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of City of York Council, said: “Independent research has raised significant concerns about the current council tax support system. In August, the Executive agreed to review the scheme to see if we could offer more support to residents who are struggling financially. This consultation gives residents the chance to have their say on how we do this. I would encourage everyone to send in their thoughts or attend one of the drop-in sessions to find out more.”