05 March 2004
Pensioners are being urged to claim the council tax reductions they are entitled to as part of a government campaign to stem mounting opposition from older people.
In recent weeks, Devon pensioner Elizabeth Winkfield has appeared before magistrates charged with non-payment of £99 of her council tax bill. Winkfield has said she would rather go to prison than pay the excess tax but ministers have suggested it is likely she does not owe that much anyway.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, 40% of pensioners fail to apply for council tax benefit and £750m goes unclaimed. From April, the restriction on council tax benefit is being removed for people living in band F, G and H properties.
Council tax minister Chris Pond said pensioners should not be too proud to claim. 'Some pensioners may wrongly believe that because they live in a leafy suburb or a nice house that they are not entitled to help,' he said.
'It is crucial that we all – central and local government and voluntary organisations – work together to ensure that everyone realises this money is their right.'
From next week, regional newspapers will begin carrying adverts urging pensioners to 'Cut Your Council Tax', and flyers, leaflets and posters have been sent to 20,000 organisations that have regular dealings with older people, as well as all English, Welsh and Scottish councils.
Local Government Association chair Sir Jeremy Beecham endorsed the campaign. 'Too much money lies unclaimed in town halls which should be paid out as council tax benefit. Councils and the government want people, especially pensioners – 1.5 million of whom can do so – to claim what is theirs by right,' he said.
PFmar2004
