The Council’s Cabinet will next week be duty bound to consider the introduction of a scheme that will replace the existing scheme of Council Tax Benefits as a result of the changes instigated by the UK Government’s Welfare Reform.

County Borough Councillor Anthony Christopher, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “As part of its Welfare Reform, the UK Government has introduced a new Council Tax Benefit Scheme that includes a 10% cut in funding, which will bring misery to many of the poorest people in our communities

“From next April, the UK Government will force everyone, no matter what means they have, to contribute to their Council Tax. In Rhondda Cynon Taf just under 30,000 people will lose support, which, on average, equates to £77 or a staggering £2.5M from the poorest in our area.

“This Council has no option, under the detailed legislation devised by the UK Government, other than to adopt a scheme which will hit some of the poorest people in our communities hard.

“Despite significant representations, the UK government has failed to change its position and has pressed forward with its newly-devised approach to the Council Tax Benefit Scheme, knowing full well the devastating effect it will have on peoples’ finances and standards of living. The new scheme is unbelievably callous in its approach to individuals circumstances.

“Despite the huge impact this change will have on families across Rhondda Cynon Taf, this is very much the thin edge of the wedge when it comes to the devastating impact Welfare Reform Changes and cuts to public sector funding are set to have locally and across the UK.”

The report of the Council’s Corporate Management is due to be presented to the Cabinet on Monday 21st January. You can view the report on the Council and Democracy.

http://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/en/councildemocracy/democracyelections/councill...