Council-tax help on way for poorest

OLDHAMERS on the lowest incomes will get more support with the borough’s new council tax reduction scheme.

Since April 2013, everyone of working age has been expected to pay something towards their council-tax bill. Oldham Council had to introduce a local scheme to replace council-tax benefit for those of working age.

Government funding for such local schemes was 10 per cent less than that of the national scheme. Oldham’s received around £2 million less.

The currently level of support for claimants offers up to 80 per cent off the Band A rate of council tax. The council is to increase this to 85 per cent, or an extra £53.43 a year for someone entitled to the maximum award.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar said: “We gave a commitment to review the scheme every year, and where possible, to reduce the burden on low-income residents.”