Welsh Government
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Minister Announces Council Tax Support Will Continue
The Welsh Government will continue to protect vulnerable and low income households by maintaining entitlements to Council Tax Support for a further two years Local Government and Government Business Minister, Lesley Griffiths AM announced
In 2013, the Welsh Government developed new arrangements to assist vulnerable households in meeting their Council Tax liability, after the UK Government abolished Council Tax Benefit and cut funding for replacement schemes. A Council Tax Reduction Scheme has since protected Welsh households, and this decision confirms continuation of this support.
The Minister said
”Protecting the most vulnerable individuals in Wales is a top priority for this Government. This is why we took action to maintain entitlements to Council Tax Support in Wales despite a significant shortfall in funding.
“Whilst the Welsh Government has provided an additional £22 million to fund the scheme in 2013-14 and 2014-15, it has protected around 320,000 households across Wales, I am pleased it will continue for at least two more years.
“This will help to offset some of the impacts of welfare reform in Wales. Contrast this to England, where over two million low-income households are paying more of their Council Tax bill following the abolition of Council Tax Benefit.
“The Welsh Government is committed to doing all it can to protect low income and vulnerable households. My decision means around 320,000 households in Wales will continue to be protected from increased Council Tax bills and over 200,000 will continue to pay no Council Tax at all.”
