Council tax benefit was previously calculated using a national system, but recent government changes mean that each local authority will calculate its own council tax benefits. In addition to this, the council also needs to make a significant saving following government cuts.
The savings that need to be made by local authorities could mean that some people could see a reduction in the amount of council tax benefit that they receive each month.
The changes will affect residents in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover. Eoin Watts, the leader of Bolsover District Council, spoke about the changes, saying:
“The government’s reforms will have a big impact on local people who currently get help to pay their Council Tax bill, so it’s crucial that people find out how they could be affected, and give us their views, before the end of the month."
A leaflet is being distributed to local libraries to explain the proposed changes to local residents. Chesterfield's local authorities often choose to communicate messages like this via flyer printing.
Chesterfield Borough Council leader, John Burrows, spoke about the issue, saying:
“Many people have already been in touch and given us their views, but this has implications for families across all three areas and we would urge anyone who hasn’t been involved to find out more."
The changes will be announced following the consultation period.