Horsham District Council has put measures in place to make sure low income families claiming Council Tax Benefit will be no worse off when the council takes over its management in April.
There are around 6,700 recipients of council tax benefit, which meets all or part of their council tax bill and from April 1 2013, councils across the country will take over the management of Council Tax Benefit from the Government.
National media have been reporting today (Thursday) that many recipients will be worse off by up to £250, however Horsham District Council has said residents here will not be adversely affected by the change.
A spokesman told the County Times: “Horsham District Council agreed in December 2012 to maintain entitlement to Council Tax Benefit in 2013/14 in accordance with the current national scheme, so residents should not expect a change in entitlement unless their circumstances have changed.
“In past years the Council received 100 per cent grant from the government for the cost of benefits.
“From April 1 2013, the Council will receive a fixed grant which is equal to only about 90 per cent of the cost, a difference for Horsham District Council of about £60,000.”
For more information go to the {http://revsandbens.centralsussex.gov.uk/300.htm|Central Sussex (CenSus) Revenue and Benefits website|http://revsandbens.centralsussex.gov.uk/300.htm} or call 01444 477264.