Have your say on next year's council tax proposals for East Northamptonshire

People are being urged to have their say

People on low incomes can claim CTS to help them pay their council tax bills.

Changes to the scheme could affect everyone in the district so ENC is carrying out a public consultation for residents to have their say.

The consultation runs for four weeks from October 24 to November 21.

The maximum amount of support currently available to working age households in East Northamptonshire is 80 per cent, which means that every working age household has to pay at least 20 per cent of their council tax bill.

Proposals include keeping the current minimum payment of 20 per cent and four further changes that would bring the CTS scheme in line with the nationally designed housing benefit and universal credit schemes.

Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Steven North, said: “As part of this annual review we have looked carefully at the local council tax support scheme and identified some proposals which continue to provide a fair level of support to those residents who are on a low income.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer keeping the current minimum payment of 20 per cent as we know that there are people in our district who need this level of support.

“I would encourage all residents to visit the consultation pages on the council’s website and have their say on this important issue that will help shape the most effective and fairest system for all residents of East Northamptonshire.”

None of the proposed changes will affect pensioners, who will still be entitled to claim up to 100 per cent support on their council tax bill (pension age households receive help under a national scheme).

In East Northamptonshire, council tax money is split four ways with 72 per cent going to Northamptonshire County Council, 14 per cent going to the police, six per cent going to the town and parish councils and eight per cent going to ENC.

Once the consultation has closed, a final decision on the scheme will be made by council early next year.

Find out more and have your say online at www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/ctax2017, by completing a paper copy of the survey from ENC offices in Thrapston (8.45am to 5pm), Rushden (9am to 4.30pm) and Oundle (10am to 1pm) or Irthlingborough Library (Wed 10am to 1pm), Raunds Library (Thurs 10am to midday), or by calling 01832 742330.