Council tax reductions

OLDHAM Council is asking for residents’ opinions on the council tax reduction scheme for 2015/16.

In April 2013 the council introduced a local scheme on a reduced budget to replace council tax benefit for those of working age. Funding for local schemes was 10 per cent less than that allocated to the national scheme — a reduction for Oldham of around £2 million.

This meant all working-age claimants had to pay something towards council tax. The consultation will help the council to assess the impact of the scheme on residents and help to plan services to support residents affected by future changes.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, cabinet member for finance and human resources, said: “The Government placed the responsibility on councils to provide a local scheme on a reduced budget. We need to review it annually. We want to get residents’ views on how they have been affected by the changes and how we can potentially make it a little easier for them.”

Visit www.oldham.gov. uk/CTR201516 or call 0161 770 5062 to take part.