1. 1 Council Tax Reduction Scheme www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/welfare-reform

2. 2 Introductions Hello we are Simon BaileyProgramme Manager (Welfare Reform) Anne Jordan Technical and Policy Manager Katie Hammond Revenues and Benefits Client Officer

3. 3 What is Council Tax?  People who live in Milton Keynes pay Council Tax to the Council.  The money pays for things like  rubbish collection,  Libraries  Street lighting  Education  Fire services  Police

4. 4 What is Council Tax Benefit? Council Tax Benefit helps people who don’t have much money pay their Council Tax bill All the money for Council Tax Benefit comes from the Government The rules for Council Tax Benefit are made by the Government

5. 5 What is changing from April 2013? The Council must make up its own rules The Government will give the Council less money than before. £3 million less The Council’s new rules will mean people who don’t have much money will have to pay some Council Tax

6. 6 New Rules Some rules will not change Pensioners will not need to pay more

7. 7 Rules that might change – Option 1 – Everyone pays something Now: Small income = No Council Tax bill Change: Everybody pays something Probably £225 a year? Raises up to £3.49 m

8. 8 Option 2: Remove Child Benefit / Maintenance Disregards Now: Child Benefit and maintenance are ignored when adding up how much money a person has. Change: Include Child Benefit and Maintenance as income. Raises up to £2,113,000

9. 9 Option 3- Cap Council Tax Bands Limit the amount of help to that of a smaller property Currently no restriction Raises up to £228,000

10. 10 Option 3: Amend Capital limits Now: £16,000 in savings = no Council Tax Benefit Change £6,000 in savings = no Council Tax Support Raises £78,000

11. 11 Option 3: End 2 nd Adult Rebate Now: If someone with low income moves into a house with a single person, the single person can claim money towards their council tax. Change: Stop giving help for other people in the household. Raises £31,000

12. 12 Option 3: Amend Income Taper The people that have a little bit of extra money will have to pay more towards their council tax. Now: They pay 20p for every “extra” £1.00 Change: they pay 25p or 30p for every extra £1.00 Raises: £207,000 to £362,000

13. 13 Option 3: Increase Non dependant contribution Other people staying in the house have to help more with the bill Now: Unemployed adults pay £0 Change: Unemployed adults pay £3.80? Raises: up to £201,000

14. 14 Incentive to work If people get jobs they will be able to earn more before they have to pay more Council Tax. Now: A little bit of wages received is ignored (£5 to £45.10) Change: More wages are ignored (£20 to £60) Cost: £327,585

15. 15 How to Give Your Views Comments or Feedback –Online at: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/mkcconsultation (search for Council Tax) –By email to: counciltaxsupport@milton-keynes.gov.uk –By post to:Local Council Tax Scheme Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East Milton Keynes MK9 3HG

16. 16 Consultation Any Questions?

17. 17 Council Tax Reduction Scheme www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/welfare-reform