About the changes

From April 2013, The Government is abolishing the current national Council Tax Benefit scheme and giving local authorities the freedom to set up their own local schemes. These local schemes will be known as Council Tax Support.

The Government is giving councils less money to pay for their new schemes. We estimate that Trafford Council will receive a reduction in funding of approximately £1.4million in 2013/14. This shortfall means that we will need to make some difficult decisions about who gets Council Tax Support and how much.

Everyone currently entitled to Council Tax Benefit, except for pensioners, could be affected by these changes. Taxpayers may also be affected by the proposed changes to the Council Tax empty property exemption and second home discount, or may move onto benefit in the future, so it’s important that everyone has their say. We need your views on what the new scheme should look like so we can ensure it meets the needs of Trafford residents.

The Consultation closed on 29th October 2012.

Where to get more information

Our Proposed Draft Scheme can be viewed here.

Trafford Council wants to ensure that all residents in the borough (as well as organisations and voluntary groups) have an opportunity to take part in this consultation. If you need a copy of this questionnaire in large print or another format please phone our consultation helpline on 0161 912 2090 between 8.00am and 7.00pm Monday to Friday, or email us at cts@trafford.gov.uk

This is one of a number of welfare benefit reform changes that the Council will be implementing over the next 12 months. See our Welfare Reform page for more information.