'Working age poor' in Burnley set to benefit from Council Tax reduction

The Council Tax Support Scheme means that working age claimants living in Band A properties will receive a reduction of up to £11 on next year's Council Tax bills, with a further reduction in the pipeline for the following year.

As reported last week, Burnley Council is planning to increase Council Tax by 1.99%.

The move to adopt the scheme following a public consultation was welcome by Coun. Mark Townsend, the leader of Burnley Council's opposition Labour group, which first put forward the plan.

He said: "It is good news that following a public consultation the council is recommending that Labour’s proposal to reduce the burden of Council Tax on the working age poor is implemented.

"It is only right that the working age poor who have suffered severely with benefit cuts and depressed wages under Tory and Lib Dem austerity are provided with help when money becomes available.

"The council needs to play its part in reducing poverty, helping people to avoid the need to attend food banks and assist people to get out of debt.”