Residents Urged To Have Their Say On Council Tax Support Scheme

Published on: 22 Oct, 2013
Updated on: 25 Oct, 2013

Guildford borough residents can give their views on changes to the council’s tax support scheme through a new online survey.

Last year Guildford Borough Council introduced a new local scheme and now it need to review and update it.

Lead councillor for finance and asset management, Cllr Nigel Manning, said: “We want to find out what residents think about proposed changes to our Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme. We are already facing a challenging financial future because of reductions in our government grant and other funding. We will have to make some difficult decisions about who gets financial support and how we can assist those in need.

“There are a number of options in the consultation for making savings. We want to make sure that our scheme remains fair, simple and cost efficient, as well as protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Apart from senior citizens, who are exempt from the changes, every working age person currently entitled to CTS is potentially affected – approximately 4,000 people in the borough.

Cllr Manning added: “We encourage everyone, even if they don’t currently receive Council Tax Support, to give their views on the proposed changes through the online survey at www.guildford.gov.uk/counciltaxsurvey2013”.

The consultation will run until November 15. The council is also asking members of its Citizens’ Panel for their feedback on the scheme.

The survey is managed by an external agent and all responses are confidential. Printed copies are available from the council’s benefits team on 01483 444884.

A final decision on the scheme will be made by the council at its meeting on December 12.