THURROCK Council has launched a consultation about a possible change to its Local Council Tax Support Scheme.
From April this year, the nationwide council tax benefit scheme was replaced by Local Council Tax Support, a scheme that had to be designed and run individually by each council in the country.
In Thurrock the council is proposing to make some changes for the 2014-15 scheme – including a residency requirement which means people will have to have lived in Thurrock for five years before their application for support can be accepted.
The consultation is about the overall concept of linking this policy with the housing allocations policy through the residency clause and if approved the council will consider whether there should be exceptions similar to those in housing – such as members of the Armed Forces, or a working person who has strong links with the borough.
The consultation is available through the council’s consultation links on its website www.thurrock.gov.uk
How utterly disgusting that Labour controlled Thurrock Council are even contemplating withdrawing help towards Council Tax unless you have lived in Thurrock for 5 years.
What happens if you move to Thurrock to start a new job and then get made redundant 3 years later and the Labour controlled Council will refuse any help towards Council Tax as you haven’t lived in the borough for 5 years.
Cllr John Kent should hang his head in shame for putting this ludicrous suggestion forward.
Labour moan and whine about the Bedroom Tax and are now suggesting they won’t help residents unless they have lived in Thurrock for 5 year. They are happy to collect their Council Tax from these people. What planet are Labour on?