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28/02/2013
Councils Admit Local Tax Could Be Unworkable
Some 84% of people on low incomes are expected to refuse to pay council tax after being caught in the net by benefit changes this April, and local authorities have admitted there is little they can do about it.
The support for means-tested council tax benefit has been cut by £500m, and local councils have been told to make the decision on “where the axe should fall”.
Some 326 town halls in England have proposed "local" council tax schemes.
Currently exempt from council tax, the benefit cuts will mean the poor face an average bill of £247 a year from April.
However as the average weekly sum would be less than £5, councils are warning that it would "in many cases be uneconomic to recover, with the costs of collection, including legal recovery costs, being higher than the bill".
(H/GK)
The support for means-tested council tax benefit has been cut by £500m, and local councils have been told to make the decision on “where the axe should fall”.
Some 326 town halls in England have proposed "local" council tax schemes.
Currently exempt from council tax, the benefit cuts will mean the poor face an average bill of £247 a year from April.
However as the average weekly sum would be less than £5, councils are warning that it would "in many cases be uneconomic to recover, with the costs of collection, including legal recovery costs, being higher than the bill".
(H/GK)
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Corporation Tax Reform To Create 'Competition'
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12 August 2013
Final Round Of Benefit Caps Begins
The final round of benefit caps that have seen benefit claims restricted to £500 a week for couples and those with children and £350 for single people is to come into effect today, in those council areas affected by the scheme.
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24 February 2010
Historically Low Council Tax Rise
Council tax in England will rise this year by the smallest amount since the tax was introduced in 1993. That estimation has been detailed in the country’s most authoritative survey, released today by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
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Council tax in England will rise this year by the smallest amount since the tax was introduced in 1993. That estimation has been detailed in the country’s most authoritative survey, released today by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
28 January 2013
Pickles Accused Councils Of 'Stealth Tax'
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has accused some English councils of “dodging democracy” by not holding referendums on council tax rises. Writing in the Daily Telegraph he said that those not freezing council tax should "man up" and consult the public.
Pickles Accused Councils Of 'Stealth Tax'
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has accused some English councils of “dodging democracy” by not holding referendums on council tax rises. Writing in the Daily Telegraph he said that those not freezing council tax should "man up" and consult the public.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
